Maria Sharapova became an overnight sensation in 2004 after winning the Wimbledon Ladies Singles title while only 17 years old.
The youngster defeated future 23-time major champion Serena Williams in the final, 6–1, 6–4.
Sharapova went on to win five Grand Slam titles during her career. However, she did not win Wimbledon again after her tournament victory in 2004.
Four years after her success, Sharapova found herself on the losing side in the second round, despite being the third seed.
Maria Sharapova lost to world number 154 Alla Kudryavtseva
After defeating qualifier Stephanie Foretz in the first round of the 2008 Wimbledon Championships, Maria Sharapova may have expected to advance to the third round with relative ease after finding out her next opponent.
That opponent was world number 154 Alla Kudryavtseva, who caused quite a shock. Kudryavtseva won the contest 6-2, 6-4 in front of a stunned British crowd in London.
After the result, Sharapova said: “I have had to deal with a lot of ups and downs in my life, on and off the court.
“But the number one thing is not to be disappointed by that, or by losses, or by negative things, things here and there. You have to find a way to keep your head even though it’s pretty tough.”
While Sharapova floundered, Kudryavtseva excelled – reaching the fourth round after defeating Peng Shuai 6-3, 1-6, 6-4.
In the fourth round, she lost to Nadia Petrova 6-1, 6-4.
Sharapova, who had won the Australian Open earlier that year, suffered a season-ending injury a few weeks later at the Rogers Cup.
What is your bold prediction for the 2026 tennis season?
The Russian waited four years before triumphing at a Grand Slam once again. In 2012, she won her first French Open title, before repeating the feat in 2014.
Who won the 2008 Wimbledon Women’s Singles title?
Venus Williams won the Wimbledon Ladies Singles title in 2008, defeating her sister – Serena – 7-5, 6-4 in the final.
This occasion marked the last time Venus defeated Serena in a Grand Slam final. Venus had a 2-7 record against Serena in major finals.
It was also Venus’ final Grand Slam singles triumph.
After the 2008 final, Venus said: “It didn’t work out the way I planned.
“It’s a great celebration for our family, we’re really happy. I’ve been working really hard and I’m so happy at least one of us was able to win.”
What would happen if Serena Williams played Aryna Sabalenka in 2025?
Venus, who has made a comeback to the WTA Tour this year at the age of 45, has been a joy to watch and should be rewarded with a 2026 Australian Open wildcard.
