49 Maria Sharapova

With her provocative fashion sense and exotic sensuality, Maria helped increase the sexiness factor in women's tennis since she turned pro in 2001. She has formerly ranked No. 1 in women’s singles and when she defeated Serena Williams to take the singles title at Wimbledon in 2004, she became the third-youngest ladies champ and first Russian to win the prestigious title. In addition to her prowess with a racket, Maria has earned an exorbitant amount of money off the court thanks to lucrative endorsement deals for corporations such as Canon, Prince Sports, Gatorade, TAG Heuer, and Nike. Forbes ranked her as the highest-paid female athlete in the world in 2005, and the high-profile advertising and modeling gigs have yet to cease for her.

On the court, Maria experienced both triumphs and losses, but overall had a decent year. She was defeated at the Australian and French Opens, and lost to Amelie Mauresmo during the Wimbledon semifinals. On the upside, she picked up five titles, including her second Grand Slam title after beating Justine Henin-Hardenne at the U.S. Open. Off-court, Sharapova appeared in a steamy six-page bikini spread for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition, and she was once again named the world's hottest female athlete by Maxim. We are ecstatic to say that Maria also debuted at No. 31 on AskMen.com’s Most Desirable Women list. She made a splash at the U.S. Open with her sequined outfit, and signed a profitable three-year contract with Land Rover in April.

Sharapova began the year ranked at No. 2 amongst the world's women tennis players. She also continues to hold down the top spot as the best-paid female athlete on the planet, and, in our heart of hearts, we know that she is one of the sexiest. Maria has already started 2007 with some success by making it to the finals at the Watson Water Champions Challenge exhibition tournament, and has put on some muscle to help her win this year's Grand Slam events. She has her eye set on the French Open title, which is just one of her New Year's resolutions, and she'll also be smacking the ball for the Russian Federation Cup team for the first time this year.

Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova pictures
Maria Sharapova pics
Maria Sharapova Gallery
Maria Sharapova Gossip

49 Maria Sharapova