$1.6 Billion Worth Company With Investments From Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in Troubled Waters As Legal Battle Surmounts

Published 02/13/2023, 12:30 PM EST

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.

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

Article continues below this ad

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.

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.

‘I Will Not Watch Them’ – Maria Sharapova Explains What She Said When Venus and Serena Williams Came To Practice at the Same Academy

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

Article continues below this ad

The celebrity-backed app seems to be in legal trouble too, in addition to financial ones.

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

Article continues below this ad

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.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Deepakshi Chaudhary is a Tennis writer at EssentiallySports. She is currently pursuing her Masters, and has worked as an Editor at EssentiallySports before transitioning into a writer. Watching Serena Williams dominate the WTA Tour in her heyday is what inspired Deepakshi to follow tennis.

Edited by:

Akash Pandhare

$1.6 Billion Worth Company With Investments From Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in Troubled Waters As Legal Battle Surmounts

Serena Williams and Sharapova’s involvement in ‘Tonal’ fitness app

Trending

Coco Gauff Brushing Aside Madrid Open Heart-Break With ‘Sexy’ Dinner Date Impresses Boyfriend Jalen Sera and Danielle Collins

‘Coco Come Collect Your Coach’ – Fans Brutally Troll Brad Gilbert as He Naively Falls for Carlos Alcaraz Involved Misinformation

‘Do You See How Big This Area Is?’ – Intimidating Serena Williams Reveals Serious Moment With Husband Alexis Ohanian on Their First Meeting in Italy

Madrid Open: Disappointed Coco Gauff Fans Demand Rightful Streaming of Her Intense Encounter Against Madison Keys

‘RIP Beautiful’ – Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Mourns 15-YO Teenager’s Tragic Death Who Succumbed to Prolonged Bullying

Things are looking gloomy for Tonal