Chasing Match Point: Maria Sharapova Talks Tennis Courts and Candy

Maria Sharapova was born in Siberia, raised in Sochi and then, at age 6, moved to the U.S., and she hasn’t really stopped moving since. The tennis sensation who won Wimbledon at 17 and 5 Grand Slam titles in the years since has honed a level of focus so intense that at times she seems more like a Buddhist monk than a star athlete. This stoic concentration has been cultivated intentionally; Maria saw in other tennis players that letting fear or, conversely, pride, lead them on the court more often ended in disappointment rather than a win. She resolved to always look towards the next point, and act as graciously in victory as in losses.

It’s a state of being that has bled into other areas of her life, including her work as an entrepreneur. Maria launched Sugarpova, the candy company of which is still 100% owner, in her early 20’s. Though it may seem incongruous for an athlete to peddle treats, as Maria puts it, it’s important to balance hard work something sweet once in a while.

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Big Ideas

• The importance of rewarding hard work. [12:45]
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