Insane $1,900,000,000 Hit to 41-Year-Old Serena Williams and New Mum Maria Sharapova as Renowned Brand in Fear of Complete ‘Wipe Out’

Serena Williams is a name that needs no introduction in the world of tennis. Known for her power-packed strokes and dominating matches on the court, she was a force to reckon with during the Open Era. Along with her exploits on the WTA Tour, Serena has also made a name for herself as an iconic businesswoman, with several successful ventures under her belt. Similarly, Maria Sharapova, the American tennis legend’s archrival on the WTA Tour, has also created a name for herself in the business arena with brands like Sugarpova. However, even the most successful entrepreneurs can face setbacks, and Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova are no exceptions. After they have recently been affected by one such incident, their future entrepreneurial and investment pursuits remain under question. What exactly is this incident?

Both Serena’s and Sharapova’s entrepreneurial spirit has led them to invest in a variety of businesses, from a stake in the Miami Dolphins NFL team to investing in startups. They have always been wise with her investments, choosing carefully and backing projects she believed in. However, the 23-time Grand Slam Champion and the Russian tennis legend now stand among a number of athletes who could potentially lose millions due to the decline of a home-gym equipment start-up brand.

Serena Williams hits a roadblock with her startup investment in the world of fitness

Founded by engineer Aly Orady, Tonal is a fitness company that seeks to offer at-home strength training routines via a vertically hung flat-screen TV. The idea was not well-received at first when people could easily avail the comfort of gyms, but the COVID-19 pandemic increased sales for the company.

Tonal now faces charges by competitor Peloton in the court of law for patent infringement. Peloton claims that Tonal copied Peloton’s technology in its quest to revolutionize fitness. According to the lawsuit, Peloton demands a ban on Tonal from selling its products across the US and has also pressed charges seeking financial compensation.

In March 2021, Tonal was valued at $1.6 billion and had brought on several athletes as endorsers, including Tony Gonzalez, Mike Tyson, Maria Sharapova, and others. Sharapova and the other celebrity endorsers routinely promoted Tonal’s products in their social media accounts.

The Russian tennis legend was once seen showcasing her workout routine using the company’s signature product. In addition to that, the brand features LeBron James as its brand ambassador and investor. After this, the company’s value surged to $1.9 billion.

Read more: Serena Williams’ Mammoth Investment Goes in Vain as Popular Company Slapped With $1.4 Billion Valuation Loss

While Tonal denies the allegations, this lawsuit will create unsettling concerns for the company and its investors, including Serena Williams. For her particularly, the lawsuit might come as a setback in her thriving career as an investor and entrepreneur. However, business is all about risks and only time will tell whether Serena can safely dodge this bullet of a legal debacle, victorious as ever.

WATCH THIS STORY: Hilarious Meaning of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams on Urban Dictionary!