
I copy here the reply to Peter Bodo in a forum in espn.
About the authenticity of patriotism of famous tennis players?
Would you consider Novak Djokovic as a patriot of his country? He's so passionate about it, most respected person in his country, etc. Do you know where his official residence is? Monaco.
Patriotism is not confirmation of your love to the ruling party of that country or benefits you are getting out of it. It's something you have no matter what, no matter how badly sometimes it treats you. Some of us don't have this connection to our original countries for many different reasons but if somebody like Maria has it all honors to her!
Everybody can have an opinion but we all should respect her as a person.
Full disclosure - I'm not Russian, not a biggest fan of hers although I respect her a lot.

"I'd love to open a tennis school for children in my hometown of Sochi." said Sharapova Maria.