20 years to the day since Maria Sharapova claimed the title at SW19,

It is one of the most memorable triumphs in Wimbledon history.

And July 3rd will mark 20 years to the day since Maria Sharapova claimed the title at SW19, shocking the tennis world with a scintillating run at the All England Club.

Two decades on, we look back at an epic run that put Sharapova on the path to icon status

Shock triumph

Weeks before Wimbledon, 17-year-old Sharapova reached the last eight for the first time at a Grand Slam with a strong run at the French Open, beaten by Paola Suarez in their quarter-final encounter.

The Russian then backed that up with the first grass-court title of her career at the Birmingham Classic – and went into SW19 as the 13th seed.

Despite her promising form, she was not considered a significant title contender heading into Wimbledon.

Serena Williams was the huge favourite for the title, with the world No 1 the two-time defending champion, while former winners Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport were also in contention.

Sharapova progressed nicely through her first three matches, not dropping a set against Yulia Beygelzimer, Anne Keothavong, and Daniela Hantuchova to reach the second week.

She had been projected to face compatriot and second seed Anastasia Myskina in round four, but with the French Open champion knocked out in round three, the draw had opened up for her slightly.

And she took full advantage, beating Myskina’s conqueror, 31st seed Amy Frazier, also in straight sets to reach the last eight.

For the first time, the teenager found herself under pressure in the quarter-final, down a set to 11th seed and the much more experienced Ai Sugiyama.

But Sharapova rallied to claim a 5-7, 7-5, 6-1 victory, and then battled back to beat fifth seed Davenport 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-1 and reach the final – where she was up against Serena.

Few backed her against Serena, who was already a Career Grand Slam champion at this point, but Sharapova dropped just one game in a dominant opening set.