Instead of that depress me, I became more quietly determined and mentally

tough. I learnt how to take care of myself. I never thought of quitting because i

knew what I wanted. When you come from nothing and you have nothing, then it

makes you very hungry and determined ........ I would have out up with much more

humiliation insults than that to steadfastly pursue my dream."

That toughness runs through Maria even today. It was the ley to her bagging

the women's singles crown at Wimbledon in 2004 and to her meteoric rise to the

world number on spot the following year.

While her journey from the frozen plains of Siberia to the summit of women's

tennis has touched the hearts of tennis fans, for the youngster herself there

appears to be no room for sentiment. The straight looks and the answer she gives

when asked about her ambition make it amply clear that she considers the

sacrifices were worth it. "I am very very competitive. I work hard at what I do. it's

my job." This is her mantra for success.

8


5. Find the words form the passage which mean –

a. involving competition b. the highest point​