Mary's past is Maria's future

First let me clarify that I don't hate Maria. In fact, I am a fan. But thinking of the fame and fortune of Mary and Maria, I could almost foresee a parallel between their lives. Mary today could be Maria 10 years from now:

When Mary Pierce first burst into the scene in early '90s, she impressed tennis fans for her hard hitting and her beauty. She was the blonde bombshell. She lived in Florida, was trained by Bollettieri.

Mary was considered not French enough by French people, and not American by Americans.

Mary has a tyrannical father. At first, this was ignored when she was successful.

Jim Pierce was banned and kicked out of French Open '93 for abusive behavior.

Mary won a grand slam (AO) in 1995, became the next big thing.

Mary did not live up to expectation; did not win another slam in 5 years. Injury and family problem followed.

Mary broke up with Bollettieri, not on a good term.

Mary broke up with her father.

Mary came back to win French Open 2000, finally being warmly accepted by French people as their own.

Mary faded away again due to injury and aging. She is now a "has been".

Mary is forgotten.

US Open 2004. New generation of tennis fans glue to their TV to see golden girl Sharapova beating nobody.

Mary beat Maria. Down to her knees and said a silent prayer. Full circle.

No, you are wrong. Mary's past will not be maria's future.

There should be a Grand Slam in Russia by 2010 then :p

There should be a Grand Slam in Russia by 2010 then :p

OK, there's no slam in Russia. But Maria could instead win the Olympics (2008 or 2012) for Russia. Russians do care about the Olympics. In fact, Moscow is in the running to host the 2012 summer games so Maria could do it in her "home country".

Nah, that's a bit of an exageration. Jim Pierce used to slap Mary with her own tennis raquet:eek: I don't think Sharapovwould do that to her own daughter.

Nah, that's a bit of an exageration. Jim Pierce used to slap Mary with her own tennis raquet:eek: I don't think Sharapovwould do that to her own daughter.

Yes, Jim Pierce is far worse. Yuri may in fact be a caring father I am not doubting that. I would go as far as to say that even Damir Dokic cares about Jelena. But Yuri's behavior towards other players is worrisome. Last year he had a fist fight with Petrova's coach (who was stronger and ended up dumping Yuri into a garbage can) after a Petrova-Sharapova match in California. That's not normal behavior.

I also worry about the IMG team behind Sharapova. The way they structure Maria's post-Wimbledon activities (letting her commiting to a series of no-name tournaments and exhibitions in Asia for promotional reasons while skipping important tournies like Moscow) indicates that they are trying to build the next Anna, whatever they deny it.

It's very possible. And you know when AER is done she's just going to overplay and start fucking up her body....