Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova recently shared an unexpectedly humorous and candid take on the pressure of professional tennis. Speaking on *Served with Andy Roddick, the five-time Grand Slam champion explained how the nerves before big matches can actually be a sign of something good.
Sharapova, who burst onto the global scene at just 17 after defeating Serena Williams to win Wimbledon 2004, said that feeling the weight of expectations is part of what makes competing thrilling.
“I kind of like it,” she admitted. “If people expect you to perform, it means you’ve earned that position. When you’re walking through the tunnel before a Grand Slam match and suddenly have to tell the supervisor, ‘Wait, I need to go to the bathroom and take a poop,’ that’s a great feeling — it means something important is about to happen.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Sharapova collected five major titles, an Olympic silver medal, and became one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. With that success, however, came enormous pressure — something she’s learned to embrace rather than fear.
Beyond tennis, Sharapova has built an impressive business empire. She founded the popular candy brand Sugarpova and invested in companies like Supergoop and Therabody. Recently, she expanded her portfolio by partnering with CFI Financial Group, a Dubai-based brokerage firm, as its new global ambassador.
Explaining why she joined the company, Sharapova said their mission resonated deeply with her values.
“CFI’s focus on innovation, education, and empowering individuals really connected with me,” she told Entrepreneur. “Whether in sports or business, success comes from preparation, curiosity, and the willingness to adapt.”
She added that she’s proud to represent CFI globally and hopes to inspire others to pursue growth and excellence in every area of life.
