"From a young age, I had a very steely mentality. I had a fist pump that I was really known for. And I'd get off the court, and I'd be in press conferences, and everyone would say, 'But it's so intimidating. You need to soften your edges. Can you add a filter?' There was a part of me that wanted to apologize for that because I was a lady, and everyone wanted to see me in that light."
"I wasn't affected by media perception or the labels placed on me, as I was fully committed to my sport. I loved being an athlete. It was a huge part of my identity. When I woke up in the morning, and I put on my sportswear, that was my shield. Like, that was my armor."
"Everyone in the players' lounge, on the court, was in the way of my success, and I was determined. I think I did have to pay the price of that with those taglines, but they got me incredible victories because I was determined and focused."
Maria Sharapova attributes her success in tennis to her intense mentality and refusal to conform to societal expectations. She recalls being told to soften her intimidating demeanor but chose to embrace her 'pretty tough' attitude. Winning her first Grand Slam at 17 against Serena Williams marked the beginning of her successful career, which included four more major titles. Sharapova remained focused on her passion for the sport, viewing her athletic identity as a shield against media scrutiny and external pressures.
Read at www.businessinsider.com
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