Maria Sharapova has extended her legacy outside tennis by venturing successfully into the business world. The former Wimbledon champion knew a thing or two about succeeding at the top of the sport from a very young age.
Moving from Russia to America as a teenager, Sharapova found herself winning grand slams as a teenager. Thus, her perception of how to market athletes or the lack of marketing in tennis has gotten the attention of the sporting world, with her sending some pinpoint arguments into the ears of tennis officials.
Maria Sharapova brings attention to tennis awareness problem
Sitting down for a chat with Bloomberg host Jason Kelly, businesswoman and former world no.1 Maria Sharapova discussed the lack of marketing in tennis currently, bringing up the case of Coco Gauff as a reference.
“You had Coco Gauff just winning her first Major at the US Open in New York City. I mean the crowd, the bridging culture, sport, fashion, all in that moment. Two weeks later, three weeks later… How many people know that she’s playing a tournament [China Open] in Beijing. She got to the semifinals and lost but I’m sure 99 percent of the audience at the US Open had no idea where she was playing next. Right away that’s off the bat, that’s a problem,” she said.
At 19 years of age, Coco Gauff became the first American teenager to lift the US Open trophy since Serena Williams. Sharapova’s question was intended to shine light on an improved business plan for the tennis sport, but her answer clearly states that despite sponsorship, broadcasting and awareness all mattering, it was the athletes who came first.
Coco Gauff has moved on from her US Open win by taking part in the Asian leg of the year-end hardcourt season, but as with the problems that have plagued many players over the years, only a remarkable Nadal, Federer or Djokovic-esque run in the majors will bring the spotlight on the athlete.
How many Grand Slam titles has Sharapova won?
Maria Sharapova began her grand slam career in 2003, when she reached the fourth round of Wimbledon. She immediately improved her game the next year by winning her first grand slam title in London at the age of 17. The following year, she debuted as world no. 1.
The Russian American has won five grand slam titles in total: one Australian Open title, two Roland Garros titles, one Wimbledon title and one US Open title. Her last appearance on the grand slam circuit was the 2020 Australian Open, where she exited in the first round.
Post 2020’s early stages, Maria Sharapova quit the tennis scene and ventured into the business world, even appearing in an episode of ‘Shark Tank’ as a guest. She has a confectionery brand called Sugarpova, has invested in sunscreen brand supergoop, and has invested in many companies like wellness brand therabody, Tonal, Public.com, Moonpay, Clio Snacks and UFC.
In April 2022, Sharapova also became a member of the board of directors of fashion brand Moncler. Maria Sharapova acts as an advisor to brands Naked Retail and Bright.
What are your opinions on the lack of marketing in tennis to bring awareness to young athletes like Coco Gauff, as vividly stated by Maria Sharapova? Let us know in the comments section below.
