Class 9 English Chapter 7 Question Answers - Reach for the Top

Part 2: Maria Sharapova 

Q.1. Explain the early challenges Maria Sharapova faced on her journey to becoming the world’s number one tennis player. How did her determination and mental toughness help her overcome these obstacles?
Ans: Maria Sharapova’s journey to success was not an easy one, as it was filled with numerous challenges. Her ascent to the top of women’s tennis began when she was just a child, and her rapid rise to fame occurred within a short period. By the time she was 18 years old, she had already become the world’s number one tennis player. This feat, however, came after years of sacrifice and dedication.
At the age of nine, Maria was sent to the United States to train, which marked the beginning of her professional journey. The loneliness she experienced, being separated from her mother for two years, was heart-wrenching for a young girl. Yet, she did not allow this to weaken her spirit. Instead, she developed mental toughness, which became one of her greatest strengths. She endured difficult living conditions and training hardships, which further fueled her determination.
Her perseverance paid off when she won the Wimbledon women’s singles crown in 2004, which propelled her to fame. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and her focused mindset were key factors that contributed to her success, as she achieved the world number one ranking in just four years as a professional player.

Maria Sharapova

Q.2. Discuss the sacrifices Maria Sharapova and her family had to make in order for her to pursue her tennis career. How did these sacrifices contribute to her eventual success, both emotionally and professionally? 

Sacrifice played a significant role in Maria Sharapova’s rise to the top of the tennis world. At the age of nine, she had to leave her home in Russia and move to the United States with her father to train in tennis. This decision required her to be separated from her mother, Yelena, for two years due to visa restrictions. Such a long separation was emotionally taxing for a young child, but Maria understood that achieving excellence in tennis came at a price.
Her father, Yuri, also made sacrifices by working tirelessly to support Maria’s tennis training while living apart from his wife. In the United States, Maria faced challenges such as loneliness and the tough demands of a training academy, where she had to deal with older players who would mistreat her by waking her up late at night and ordering her to clean the room. Despite these adversities, Maria became more determined and mentally tough, refusing to quit or be disheartened by the situation.
Maria's sacrifices, combined with the unwavering support of her family, led her to achieve her dream of becoming the world’s number one tennis player. Her story exemplifies the importance of resilience and the willingness to endure hardship in order to reach one’s goals. 

Maria with her Parents

Q.3. How did Maria Sharapova's early experiences in the United States, including her loneliness and separation from her mother, shape her mental toughness and resolve? Provide examples from the text to support your answer. 

Maria Sharapova’s early experiences in the United States were difficult, but they played a crucial role in shaping her mental toughness and determination. When she moved to Florida to train, she was just nine years old and had to live far away from her mother for two years. This separation was emotionally painful for Maria, who missed her mother terribly. Her father, Yuri, was also working hard to support her training, which left her feeling lonely.
Despite these hardships, Maria did not let herself succumb to feelings of despair. Instead, she grew more determined and developed a strong mental attitude. She learned to take care of herself and deal with the challenges of being away from her family at a young age. The older players in the academy mistreated her by waking her up late at night and forcing her to clean the room, but rather than being discouraged, Maria became even more focused on her goal.
Maria’s ability to withstand the difficulties she faced at such a young age helped her become mentally strong. This mental fortitude was instrumental in her later success, as she continued to push through adversities and ultimately won prestigious titles, including the Wimbledon women’s singles in 2004. Her strength of character is a testament to how early life challenges can contribute to personal growth and success.

Q.4. Despite living and training in the United States, Maria Sharapova strongly identifies as Russian. Discuss how she balances her national identity with her professional life. How does this reflect her ambition and focus? 

Maria Sharapova’s identity is deeply rooted in her Russian heritage, despite spending a significant portion of her life in the United States. Even though she speaks with a pronounced American accent and has trained in the U.S., Maria proudly identifies as Russian and retains her Russian citizenship. This strong connection to her homeland is evident in her statements, where she emphasizes that her blood is “totally Russian” and expresses her willingness to play for Russia in the Olympics.
Maria’s ability to balance her national identity with her professional life demonstrates her clarity of purpose and focus. She is aware of the role the United States played in her tennis training and career development, but she remains committed to her roots. This determination to stay true to her identity reflects the same ambition that drives her to excel in tennis.
Maria’s focus on becoming the best in her sport shows that, while nationality is important to her, her ambition transcends borders. She works hard to achieve her goals and has made sacrifices to reach the top. Her Russian heritage is a source of pride for her, but her ambition to be the best tennis player in the world motivates her to keep striving for success.

Q.5. How does Maria Sharapova view her success and monetary gains in tennis? Explain how her ambition and desire to be the best in the world motivated her to work hard and achieve success. 

Maria Sharapova’s success in tennis is driven by both her ambition and her desire to be the best. Although she acknowledges that money is a motivation, she is clear that it is not her primary driving force. For Maria, the most important goal has always been to become the world’s number one tennis player. This singular focus on achieving excellence has kept her going, even through the toughest times in her career.
Maria understands that tennis is both a business and a sport, and while financial gains are a part of the equation, they are secondary to her desire to succeed at the highest level. She has worked hard, faced numerous challenges, and made significant sacrifices to reach the pinnacle of women’s tennis. Her unwavering determination and focus have helped her rise above obstacles, and her relentless pursuit of success has made her one of the best players in the world.
Maria’s attitude toward success and money reflects her professionalism and dedication to her sport. Her achievements, such as winning the Wimbledon women’s singles crown in 2004 and reaching the world number one ranking, are the results of her hard work and commitment to her dream. Her story is an inspiring example of how ambition and perseverance can lead to great success.