Maria Sharapova to become Russia’s first female Olympic flag-bearer

Russia’s tennis star Maria Sharapova has been officially named as the flag bearer for her home country for the upcoming London Olympics 2012 Games, thereby making her the first female player to ever do this honor for her country.

The 25-year old superstar tennis player will be competing in her very first Olympic Games and she will compete at the singles event.

“I wasn’t aware that I am the first woman but what a personal honor to be representing Russia,” she said in an interview with CNN.

“I am grateful for the sincere support from my family, friends and fans from home and across the globe. I’m truly proud and humbled to represent a country that is full of hopes and dreams,” she added.

Sharapova reclaimed the world’s top ranking in May after winning her fourth Grand Slam title at the French Open, thereby completing the Career Grand Slam (winning at least one of the four Grand Slam events). She lost the top ranking to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus after the Wimbledon 2012 tournament this week after she was eliminated in the fourth round. Sharapova was the runner up at the All England Club last year.

“This year’s upcoming Olympics in London holds special meaning to me as this will be my first foray into the Games,” Sharapova said.

“It’s a remarkable opportunity to not only compete in such a historically prestigious sporting moment, but I am looking forward to sharing this Olympic experience with fellow athletes around the world,” she added.