Turkish spectator proposes to Maria Sharapova during match in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

A spectator made a marriage proposal to Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova during her TEB BNP Paribas Tennis Stars Series match against Çağla Büyükakçay in Istanbul on Nov. 26.

During the match at the Sinan Erdem Dome, a man shouted his proposal to Sharapova during the game, to which she responded by saying “maybe.” The exchange was applauded by other spectators.

Sharapova beat Turkish player Büyükakçay 2-0 in the match, winning the first set 7-6 and the second set 6-0.

Following the game, the Russian legend told the press that she was happy to be part of such an event in Istanbul and thanked the crowd for their enthusiasm.

Playing against Büyükakçay was “both difficult and delightful,” said the 30-year-old player.

Büyükakçay also said it was “a huge pleasure” to play against Sharapova.