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July 9,2015 Maria Sharapova of Russia and Serena Williams meet at the net after Williams defeated Sharapova in the semi-final at the Wimbledon Championships, played at the AELTC, London, England TENNIS: JUL 09 Wimbledon PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon250150709005 July 9 2015 Mary Sharapova of Russia and Serena Williams Meet AT The Net After Williams defeated Sharapova in The Semi Final AT The Wimbledon Championships played AT The AELTC London England Tennis Jul 09 Wimbledon PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY
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July 9,2015 Maria Sharapova of Russia and Serena Williams meet at the net after Williams defeated Sharapova in the semi-final at the Wimbledon Championships, played at the AELTC, London, England TENNIS: JUL 09 Wimbledon PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon250150709005 July 9 2015 Mary Sharapova of Russia and Serena Williams Meet AT The Net After Williams defeated Sharapova in The Semi Final AT The Wimbledon Championships played AT The AELTC London England Tennis Jul 09 Wimbledon PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY
The Russian tennis legend, Maria Sharapova and the American tennis legend, Serena Williams, have shared a fierce rivalry amongst them. However, the two former tennis players and many other big sports stars had come together to float an at-home fitness startup. But it seems that the fitness start-up is in a bit of a crunch. Tonal Systems Inc. is on its way to raising an amount, one-third of the valuation; in addition to other administrative changes.
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The 23-time Grand Slam champion has been famous for her unconventional strength display; the powerful game and serves, which aided her in ruling the court for decades. Last year, around the same time, Williams joined the fitness app.
Serena Williams and Sharapova’s involvement in ‘Tonal’ fitness app
Serena Williams entered into the ‘Tonal’ deal as an athlete partner; all set to redefine strength for the people at home. And who is better than the Queen of the court, who has reigned the tennis court for decades; with her strength being her primary weapon. Also, Williams had featured in a super bowl ad, to put a powerful message across for women; Own your strength.
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Serena Williams of the United States shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of Russia after defeating her in her Women’s Singles first round match during day one of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Furthermore, Williams was not alone in her journey to deliver the best to the community; one of her arch-rivals is also the part of Tonal community, even before Williams joined. However, the Russian tennis legend’s inspiration came from her working out at home; and not having a gym.
Things are looking gloomy for Tonal
Both tennis stars aimed to revolutionize fitness, by providing capital and their vast professional experiences to the start-up. However, Tonal seems to be sailing in troubled waters; as the $1.6 billion app has opted to raise a sum of $500 million after burning through all its liquidity.
Tonal is in trouble 😢
Exploring a sale, locked in a legal battle, closing stores.
scoop w/ @heetermaria & @anngehan https://t.co/iHH2VeKPmn
— Cory Weinberg (@coryweinberg) February 10, 2023
The celebrity-backed app seems to be in legal trouble too, in addition to financial ones.
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Will the home-fitness start-up be able to survive the downfall? Or the tennis stars and other sports and celebrities would support it further? At the moment, it’s unclear.
What do you think would be the next course for the startup? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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