Question

Why does maria call hersalf totally russian

Answer 1

Maria claims this because she was born to Russian parents in Russia. She did spend a large part of her life in the U.S., but she proudly declares her Russian identity.

Answer 2

et, Sharapova baulks at the idea that she would want to trade her Russian passport for an American one, as former Czech Martina Navratilova did early in her glittering career.

'I would have if I wanted to (change citizenships) but it's never been actually a question in my family or in my team whether I wanted to change citizenships,' the Russian told CNBC in an interview to be screened on Wednesday.

Sharapova, who won the Wimbledon title aged 17, still gives her all for Russia in the Fed Cup and was a torch bearer at the Sochi Winter Olympics a year ago.

She said her Russian heritage moulded her instincts.