Maria Sharapova Covers 'Harper's Bazaar Russia' - Exclusive!

Maria Sharapova graces the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Russia‘s August 2012 issue, on newsstands July 18.

The 25-year-old tennis player will be heading to the London Olympics later this month to represent Russia and received an even greater honor when she was asked to carry the country’s flag.

“When I received the call to carry Russia’s flag during the Opening Ceremony, I almost didn’t believe it,” Maria exclusively told JustJared.com. “It was only later that I learned that I was to be the first female athlete in Russia’s history to do so. It’s a very proud moment to be chosen to represent a country that has shown me such support and loyalty throughout my career.”

10+ pictures inside from Maria Sharapova‘s fashion spread from Harper’s Bazaar Russia…