Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova dominated on the tennis courts in their time. The American superstar’s legendary story in the sport needs no rehashing. On the other hand, the Russian, from a very young age, knew that she had gotten herself involved in much more than just a game of tennis. Now, with the passing of time, things around the five-time Grand Slam champion might have changed. But her opinion regarding what tennis means in the bigger picture remains the same.

While the Russian was someone who gave tough competition on the court, there were times when she saw the actual face of the sport. Recently, Sharapova went down memory lane. She reminisced about the time she won her first Grand Slam title against Williams, to prove her point with a realistic example.

What does Maria Sharapova think of tennis? 

The former world number one Russian tennis star, during her decades-long tennis career, has touched the sky and beyond. One of her most notable rivalries was with Serena Williams. But beyond playing games, winning titles, and finding glory, there lay a lot more to be discovered. Recently, Sharapova, in an interview with Bloomberg Live, talked about how winning her first Wimbledon final in 2004 made her realize that tennis is a business.

Masha recalled the time when she won her first title and addressed how the sport was much more than just victories and losses. The 36-year-old Russian tennis star highlighted how it was the moment when she went back to New York, followed by media rounds, that changed everything for her. She added, “That this was a business, that you walk out on to the stage & you have a platform & you have a voice.” 

She said, ” But as a teenager, you’re not really aware of what’s on the line except a tennis match & perhaps a ball where you get to wear a nice dress… It was a lesson in partnerships & winning. Going back to New York & going through the media rounds, it was the moment when I realised that sport was more than just about winning & losing.” 

After winning a Grand Slam title at the age of 17, the five-time Grand Slam champion learned a lot regarding the other perspective of sport, which is the business side of the game other than playing good tennis. A few years ago, she made a revelation regarding how handling the business side of the sport helped her do well in the actual entrepreneurial world.

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How did Sharapova navigate her tennis and business careers?

The 36-year-old Russian tennis star revealed in a candid interview back in 2021 how the victory that she achieved at the age of 17 helped her gain confidence at a young age. She also highlighted how working with a lot of big brands at a very young age boosted her confidence, which is helping her even now in her business. Sharapova has been the face of major companies such as TAG Heuer, Porsche, Evian, and Nike.

Along with that, the former world number one believed that she grew up quickly, from working with different brand partners to working with new agencies and trainers. But during this time, she has learned how to be confident in herself in order to voice what she needs and wants. With that same confidence, she launched her own brand, Sugapova.

What do you think about Sharapova’s realization about tennis after her clash with Serena Williams? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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