Former Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova recently discussed her past business endeavors with fellow legend Andy Roddick, shedding light on their failed collaboration.
While Sharapova achieved great success on the tennis court, her foray into business alongside Roddick a decade ago did not yield favorable results.
The former world number one tennis player ventured into the business world by launching Sugarpova, an organic premium candy brand. Subsequently, she diversified her portfolio with investments in other brands like Supergoop and Tonal.
Sharapova aimed to create products tailored for athletes, leveraging her expertise in the field. Despite finding success in the health and wellness sector, her venture into technology investment didn’t pan out as expected.
During a recent podcast appearance with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly, Sharapova candidly discussed her business ventures and the setbacks she faced. She particularly highlighted a technology-oriented project with Roddick that failed to materialize successfully.
Reflecting on the venture, Sharapova remarked, “Not that I want to blame Andy,” acknowledging Roddick’s involvement in the project’s inception. She recounted an app-based venture that ultimately faltered, emphasizing her belief in the concept despite its eventual demise.
Despite the setback, Sharapova remained resilient, although she acknowledged suffering significant financial losses. Recalling her initial foray into technology investment over a decade ago, she admitted that the experience was a learning curve.
In contrast, Sharapova found success with Sugarpova, her candy brand, which she revealed stemmed from a desire to transcend the label of a mere tennis player.
In an interview with Forbes, she expressed her eagerness to explore new avenues beyond tennis, leading to the creation of Sugarpova. While initially lacking a clear vision for the venture, Sharapova embraced the journey, finding fulfillment and enjoyment along the way.
Sharapova’s candid revelation about her past business failure underscores her growth and resilience as an entrepreneur. Despite setbacks, her success with Sugarpova stands as a testament to her determination and ability to adapt.
Andy Roddick’s influence played a pivotal role in shaping Sharapova’s trajectory as an investor, highlighting the potential for technology to revolutionize and expand opportunities within the sport.
