“Gave An Entirely New Perspective”: Maria Sharapova Reveals Notion Behind Starting Sugarpova

The former Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova is no longer known just for the sport. Starting her own business from a young age, the 33-year-old is also a successful entrepreneur today. In a podcast titled ‘Second Life’, the Russian revealed what guided her to take on a career outside tennis.

Sharapova is recognized as one of the greatest women of all-time in tennis. She was No.1 in the world for a total of 21 weeks with 36 career titles including 5 Grand Slams. Along with that, she is the only Russian and seventh in the Open Era to claim a Career Slam.

But the Russian had always found the business side of everything more interesting. She had been associated with big brands since the start of her career, and now, she is one of them. In 2013, Sharapova launched a confection company named ‘Sugarpova’, but what pushed her over the edge?

WATCH: The Resonating Story Behind Maria Sharapova Building a $200 Million Empire

How an injury inspired Maria Sharapova to start her own business

Back in 2008, Maria won her third major title at the Australian Open and regained the top rank. After that, everything changed for the Russian. A medical examination revealed she had a tendon tear in her shoulder; it was her second shoulder injury.

Sharapova shared, “I had shoulder surgery after my 3rd Grand Slam. At that time, I wanted to go on my own and become a champion without my father’s guidance.”

The fact that she was contributing her best tennis and was in her prime time, the injury changed her mindset. She said, “It really gave me an entirely new perspective on life.” Furthermore, Maria also mentioned that the injury helped her see things outside of tennis which she had missed early on.

The Russian continued, “I wanted to take on something that felt like truly my own; my own company and my own brand. Confections and sweets was a childhood memory; it was a souvenir that I would take back to my friends in Russia from the United States.”

Following that, Maria started Sugarpova with 12 different flavors of gummies only. Today, it is one of the most successful brands in the world. Moving forward, she has plans to open her business to many verticals.

Also Read: “Need Someone Who Inspires You”: Maria Sharapova Reveals Who Helped Her Evolve as a Tennis Player