Maria Sharapova’s career-defining moment came in 2004 when, at just 17, she stunned the tennis world by defeating Serena Williams to win Wimbledon. That victory not only made her a household name but also caught the attention of Motorola, which brought her on board for a global marketing campaign. Looking back two decades later, Sharapova credits that decision as a pivotal turning point that shaped her future in business and beyond.
At the time, Motorola saw Sharapova as more than just an athlete. Executives described her as someone who represented “seamless mobility” and a “tech-savvy” generation of consumers. Although the contract wasn’t the most lucrative on the table, the campaign captured her authentic story – including the famous moment after her Wimbledon win when she tried, unsuccessfully, to call her mom from the court. That real-life struggle with her phone became the centerpiece of Motorola’s global push.
Sharapova admitted she hesitated at first because the offer wasn’t as financially rewarding as others. Coming from modest beginnings, money mattered. But in hindsight, she realized the visibility was priceless. “I was on billboards from Tokyo to Paris to Seoul,” she shared in a Bloomberg Originals podcast, noting how the exposure opened doors to bigger opportunities.
For Sharapova, that deal became the foundation of her post-tennis career. By the time she retired, she had already built a strong business network. She later explained that the lessons she took from sports – persistence, resilience, and handling setbacks – translated perfectly into business. Today, she’s an investor and advisor for major companies like Supergoop, Tonal, Therabody, and Bala, serves on Moncler’s board, and even represents luxury wellness brand Aman Hotels.
Yet, Sharapova hasn’t lost sight of the bigger picture. She stresses that women’s sports still lack equal visibility and urges brands to empower female athletes as leaders, much like Nike with Naomi Osaka and New Balance with Coco Gauff.
Her advice for young athletes is clear: don’t chase only the highest paycheck. Instead, look for deals that align with your values and long-term goals. Sometimes, the less obvious opportunities can pave the way for lasting success.
