Women’s Tennis Blog | March 1, 2024
In the 20th anniversary year of Maria Sharapova‘s first Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon in 2004, her agent, Max Eisenbud, recently discussed on Andy Roddick’s podcast how the tennis icon masterfully balanced her sports career with lucrative sponsorship deals.
We’ve witnessed many WTA players veer off course, prioritizing modeling and off-court events over their on-court performance, lured by lucrative sponsorship deals. Sharapova stands out as a rare example of striking the perfect balance between tennis and commercial endeavors. Despite her success in business, she always maintained a focus on her tennis career, leaving the sport with remarkable achievements and groundbreaking business partnerships.
Eisenbud, who first met Sharapova when she was just 11 years old in Bradenton, Florida, revealed that tennis was always the top priority for the Russian WTA player and her family. To ensure this focus remained intact, Eisenbud meticulously identified all the weeks when Sharapova was busy playing in tournaments, preparing for events, or recovering after tournaments. During these periods, which were crucial for her performance, Sharapova’s schedule was strictly off-limits for photoshoots and other sponsor-related events. This strategic approach allowed her to maintain her competitive edge while also maximizing her commercial opportunities.
