The 2004 Wimbledon Ladies' Final saw 17-year-old Maria Sharapova, ranked 13th, face 22-year-old defending champion Serena Williams. Despite being the underdog, Sharapova dominated the match, taking the first set 6-1 and later leading 5-4 in the second. She ultimately won the championship, defeating Williams in straight sets. This victory marked Sharapova's first Grand Slam title and the beginning of her successful career in tennis.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The 2004 Wimbledon Ladies Final was between Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.
2. Maria Sharapova was 17 years old and seeded 13th at the time.
3. Serena Williams was the defending champion and number one seed.
4. Sharapova had defeated former champion Lindsay Davenport in her semi-final.
5. Sharapova's mother stayed in Russia for two years because she couldn't get a visa, and Sharapova's father worked alone in Florida.
6. Sharapova learned English in four months.
7. At the age of seven, Sharapova moved to the United States with her father.
8. Sharapova is 6 feet tall.
9. The commentators for the match were David Mercer, John McEnroe, and Tracy Austin.
10. Serena Williams saved three break points and had a set point.
11. Sharapova took the first set 6-1.
12. The second set was tied at 4-4.
13. Sharapova had two championship points at 5-4 in the second set.
14. Sharapova won the match and her first Grand Slam title.
15. Serena Williams won Wimbledon again in 2009 and 2010.
16. Sharapova also won the US and Australian Open titles.
17. The 2004 Wimbledon title was Sharapova's breakthrough year.