World number two Maria Sharapova has been selected as the United States Sports Academy’s Player of the Year for 2006.
Although she only won one Grand Slam title in 2006 at the US Open, Sharapova was one of the most consistent players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour with four additional singles titles, including Tier I Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, California.
A grateful Sharapova took time out from her busy preparations for 2007 to thank the fans that voted for her in the online polling.
“It is a great honor to be voted Female Athlete of the Year”, said Sharapova on her official website. “What makes it more special is that has been decided by fans. So thank you to everyone that voted for me.”
World number one Justine Henin-Hardenne came in third place behind Mexico’s golfer Lorena Ochoa.
Image from the United States Sports Academy website
