Throwback Thursday: Little Sharapova's big grunt

Oct 13, 2016
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Throwback Thursday: Little Sharapova's big grunt

The Russian hasn't changed much since her preteen days.

Published Oct 13, 2016

Some things just don't change. If you've got the sound on, you'll hear explosive grunts coming from a very little Maria Sharapova. Playing in a junior tournament, the Russian hits a backhand winner and lets out a "Davai" (or "Come on").

Who could have predicted that that young girl would grow up to become a Wimbledon champion at just 17 years old, a world No. 1 a few years later and the most high-profile tennis player in recent history to be embroiled in a doping scandal.

Sharapova is going to get to return to the sport she's been so good at since an early age. The 29-year-old is expected to be back in action in April after serving a reduced 15-month suspension.