Maria Sharapova opens up on her relationship with fans and how she fought for them despite struggles

Sharapova talked about her journey to success and how she found inspiration even on her toughest days.

Maria Sharapova opens up on her relationship with fans and how she fought for them despite struggles

Maria Sharapova, in a conversation with Shannon Pruitt, Global Chief Content & Partnership Innovation Officer of Stagwell (Image Credit: @NewsSharapova)

Maria Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 who has inspired fans around the world with her incredible tennis skills said that she sees herself as more than just a tennis player. Sharapova believes that she is an entertainer and that her goal is to use her platform to inspire others.

One of only six women in the Open Era to have won a Career Slam, the five-time Grand Slam winner was invited to the 2023 Cannes Sport Beach event. She was interviewed by Shannon Pruitt, Global Chief Content & Partnership Innovation Officer of Stagwell. In the interview at Cannes, Sharapova spoke and reflected on her childhood, career, and her impact on others.

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“When I got older, I realized that I was an entertainer,” Sharapova said. “If I was having a bad day, somebody in the crowd could be having a bad day too. But if I could turn that match around and show them that on a bad day, I was able to win or I was able to improve in front of their eyes, imagine how they’ll go to sleep and think, ‘I had a tough day, but this athlete in front of thousands of people was able to turn it around and inspired me to do that tomorrow.'”

While admitting that pressures are a by-product of by being an entertainer, the Florida resident added, “That impact you try to forget because there’s a lot of pressure with it, but ultimately it’s such a beautiful feeling to have that you can have inspiration on other people.”

Maria Sharapova also spoke about her difficult childhood, which helped shape her career. She said that she was born in Siberia and that her family never thought she would one day be playing on the grandest stages of Grand Slam.

“I don’t think anyone’s journey begins at the victory lap when you hold the trophy,” Sharapova said. “I think it begins from your childhood, the way you’re brought up.

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Maria Sharapova reflects on her humble beginnings

Maria Sharapova in action at the Australian Open (PC : Deccan Herald)
Maria Sharapova in action at the Australian Open (Image Via Deccan Herald)

Recollecting that it was incredibly difficult that she couldn’t see her mother for two years post her arrival in the USA due to Visa issues, two-time French Open winner said, “All those stories shaped my character and my journey.”

Maria Sharapova is a remarkable woman who has achieved great things in her life. She was a champion on the tennis court, a successful businesswoman now, and a role model for young girls and women, and she shows that it is possible to achieve great things through hard work and dedication. Her story is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

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