NFT space bridges passions for tennis legend Maria Sharapova

by · October 1, 2022

Tennis legend Maria Sharapova appeared at Binance Blockchain Week Paris 2022 to share her interest in non-fungible tokens (NFT).

During an exclusive interview with Cointelegraph, Sharapova mentioned that “she is exposing herself to this new world of crypto and Web3,” noting that the sector will help her better engage with her fans. Sharapova was also one of the strategic investors behind MoonPay’s Series A funding round, but she mentioned that she aims to bridge her personal experiences to the digital world going forward.

Maria Sharapova (right) with Cointelegraph senior reporter Rachel Wolfson (left) at Binance Blockchain Week Paris 2022. Source: Rachel Wolfson

Cointelegraph: What are you doing here today at Binance Blockchain Week Paris?

Maria Sharapova: I’m crypto-curious and would love to figure out how to bridge the incredible physical experiences I’ve had with my fans over so many years. I’m now finding ways to incorporate experiences into the digital world, so that’s what I’m most excited about. As a female entrepreneur, I believe it is important to pave the way for other women to enter Web3. Money is a topic I feel we don’t talk about enough as women.

CT: Do you have plans to start an NFT project?

MS: I’ve been looking at this space for months now, as I’m more of a long-term prospect. When I saw the opportunity to bridge physical and digital experiences, I knew I wanted it to be a long-term experience for myself. Storytelling is very important, and it’s a big part of Web3. I think stories will be told better for both parties when thinking about a project in the long term.

Recently: The Caribbean is pioneering CBDCs with mixed results amid banking woes

CT: Do you think NFTs can help create better fan engagement?

MS: Absolutely. NFTs are about finding ways to communicate with the right communities that are interested in what I do in a different kind of space. For example, I was seen on a TV screen every week playing tennis for so many years, but I no longer have that platform on a daily basis because I retired a couple of years ago. The Web3 experience has given me access to my fans in completely new ways. I feel like I’m more engaged with them, as opposed to them just watching me compete.

CT: As a female entrepreneur and former athlete, do you have plans to get more women involved in Web3?

MS: I want to let women have a space where they experiment with Web3. For example, I was 17 when I won my first grand slam and social media was in no way a part of that experience. It took years for me to become comfortable with social media over time. I think Web3 is also an area where you have to get out there to learn and grow from it. As I mentioned earlier, the conversation about money, finance, crypto and blockchain is a taboo conversation. People may feel that unless they know about these topics, they should not speak up. But I think this should be the other way around – you learn a lot more if you ask questions and get involved.

CT: Why did you decide to invest in MoonPay?

MS: I want to diversify my portfolio. In the beginning, my investments were around consumer goods. For example, I invested early in the sunscreen brand Supergoop. I now expose myself to a whole new category.

CT: What do you think are the biggest challenges related to Web3 and how can we overcome them?

MS: I would like to see the quality of Web3 experiences come through a bit more and improve, especially in the digital space.

Recently: Are decentralized digital identities the future or just a niche use case?

CT: Any further comments?

MS: I am very interested in the NFT area because it bridges my passion for fashion, interior design and creating spaces that are unique to individuals and communities. I have become more interested in this space because it has more of a design perspective. There is also a whole new income stream that both artists and women are discovering.