Sharapova talks business with Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary

Business mogul Kevin O'Leary—also known as Mr. Wonderful—recently sat down virtually with Maria Sharapova to talk business. The two Shark Tank stars (Sharapova was a guest judge) discussed how to help small businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

The former world No. 1 opened up about her fear of becoming one-dimensional. But she learned quickly through working with big corporations such as Nike and Evian that tennis was not just a sport but also a business.

Sharapova learned the ins and outs of marketing, creative and advertising before realizing she wanted more. The five-time Grand Slam champion didn't just want to stamp her name or show her face, she wanted to be part of the decision making.

"Deal making and the strategy behind deal making became very different, because instead of being a face I had an opportunity to be an investor," Sharapova said. "That's when I really started understanding business."

Sharapova and her father moved to the United States when she was young, with $700 to their names. When contracts started to pour in after she won Wimbledon in 2004, Sharapova jumped at the opportunities to be the face of brands. These endorsements would bring more financial freedom and would eventually allow her to be much more than just a face.

"I don't say this all the time, but you were pretty good on Shark Tank," O'Leary said. "You actually said no to people, most guests don't have the guts or the cahoonas to do that."

Sharapova explained she didn't just walk onto the show. It was an extensive process, which involved sitting down with the show's producers and editors in an interview-like setting. She would not only prove her knowledge of the show, but also the technical aspects of business and investing.

O'Leary and Sharapova answered listener questions, with the first one centered around small businesses and how to support them through the coronavirus crisis.

"We cook a meal or two at home, breakfast and dinner, but lunch we pick up," Sharapova said. "So all the restaurants that are in our community that we've ate at for years with my family and friends."

The two wrapped up the session by answering: "What would motivate you after you're filthy rich?"

For Sharapova, it all stems from passion and loving what she does and trying to see just how far she can take it. O'Leary chimed in to say he retired for three years and visited every beach in the world, but became bored.

"I don't need more money. I just want to be in the game, I just want to compete," he said.

Although Sharapova retired just before the tours were suspended, it doesn't mean she won't be working towards anything. She spends 70 percent of her day focusing on her company Sugarpova and is also breaking ground on a health and wellness program.

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