I'm just very lucky, says Maria Sharapova

Dubai, Feb 22 (ANI): Maria Sharapova, who is a tennis superstar and a self-confessed fashion lover, has said that she likes to think of herself as just another girl, "just a very lucky one".

The 24-year-old former tennis ace's steely determination and positive outlook have seen her through, conquering not just the world of sports but everything that comes with celebrity-hood.

During an exclusive with tabloid!, Sharapova, who is currently ranked number 2 in the world, has had design stints with American label Cole Haan and is often spotted on the front row of fashion shows.

She's also fronted multi-million dollar endorsements for Canon, Nike, Reebok and Tiffany and Co. Following her long association with luxury watch brand Tag Heuer, for whom she is also the face, Sharapova recently designed a line of watches and accessories for the Swiss company.

Known for turning up on court with her own ensembles, she spoke about her line for Tag Heuer, fashion, tennis and being voted one of the most beautiful celebrities in the world.

"I remember very well my very first photo shoot for Tag Heuer with Patrick Demarchelier. It was back in 2004 at the end of the year. All of a sudden, I had stylists, hair and make-up artists to take care of me for the days. It was a dream come true. Since that day, I have become a fashonista," Gulf News quoted her as saying.

Sharapova was then asked why did she decide "to be a part of the Tag Heuer family".

"My first Grand Slam win in 2004 called for a lot of media attention and Tag Heuer contacted me to become their ambassador. I was already a huge fan of the brand and it was an amazing offer to join a team of ambassadors such as Uma Thurman and Brad Pitt at that time. They let me into the fashion world through the big door. It has been like a fairy tale since then," she said.

She also answered questions like if she had created the line for Tag Heuer more as a person with a keen interest in fashion and lifestyle or as a sports person.

"The fashion element was a driver for me. I do not wear my watch when I play tennis... but rush to put it back on when the match is over,' she said.

The host then asked her if she had become used to being a celebrity outside the sporting world.

"I like to think I am like any other girl my age, probably just a very lucky one. Being a celebrity has brought me one thing though: the most loyal fans in the world. I am very thankful for that.

"They are so amazing, cheering me up when I am down, they are proud of what I have accomplished. So I do not pay much attention to rumours or other comments celebrity can call for," Sharapova said.

She was then asked how does she feel on being voted as one of the most beautiful celebrities in the world.

"I never worried much about my physical appearance. I think once I won Wimbledon at age 17, many people started to notice my tennis and I did get some attention for my physical appearance.

"All I can say is that I want to be remembered as a great tennis champion, nothing else. Now of course, I am a woman and I do like bringing style to the tennis court.

"If I feel good about what I am wearing on the court it gives me more confidence and that allows me to even play better. But honestly, when I am on the court, I am a tennis player before anything. If people like what they see, then great," Sharapova said.

In the end the three times Grand Slam winner described her personal style.

"My fashion motto is 'less is more'. I tend to pick what I really like and not go with what is 'in' in fashion," she added. (ANI)