TAG HEUER star reveals her secrets
WIMBLDON CHAMPIONSHIP AND MULTIPLE WINNER OF THE "FRENCH OPEN" AND "AUSTRALIA OPEN" TOURNAMENTS, MARIA SHARAPOV MORE THAN SIX YEARS IS THE OFFICIAL OF THE TAG HEUER CLOCK BRAND. SPEED, EMOTIONS AND INCREDIBLE DRIVE OF A TENNIS STAR EASY TO DEMONSTRATE DURING SHOOTING FOR ADVERTISING WATCHES AND SUNGLASSES.
Maria, hello. Please tell us whether it is easy to remain the “face” of Tag Heuer, already being successful and famous?
In fact, we have a lot in common. Tag Heuer continues to grow, develop, invent new forms, he has to fight for a place under the sun. The watch company never chooses easy ways and constantly improves its art. But even after six years of working together, I feel as comfortable with Tag Heuer as possible.
Are you interested in working with a watch brand?
My life is quite harmonious. I try to find a balance between the role of an athlete on the tennis court and a glamorous girl on the carpet. And I get great pleasure on the set of Tag Heuer. First-class masters are engaged with me for days. In addition, I have access to the best collections of high fashion and creative make-up. I always give some of the energy to photo shoots. And I am grateful to the partners for making the process very professional. Filming takes place only a few days a year, outside of the gaming seasons. After all, first of all, I am a tennis player, the rest is just an addition to my career.
Do you like the design of the watch you present?
Yes, I love the versatile watch that can be worn with any outfit. It is important for me that a fashion accessory is a manifestation of an individual style. For example, I don’t wear some of my iconic items while playing tennis. However, after the match I always hurry to put on my favorite Tag Heuer watch as quickly as possible.
How do you manage to combine the roles of a tennis player, a business woman and a public figure?
In fact, on the tennis court, and beyond, I am absolutely the same. But perhaps I just manifest different qualities of my character in different ways. For example, on the court, I abstract from the outside world and completely concentrate on the game. And no matter what happens, I'm "in the game"! But outside the court, I am a socially active person. And I love spending time with family and friends.
Why did Tag Heuer choose you?
I'm not quite sure that my story can be called fabulous. When my father and I left Siberia, I was only seven years old. We had to leave mom. We had almost no livelihood. And we had to literally burst at the door of every tennis academy in the USA. I spent hours in the sunshine of Florida. And she couldn’t understand how best to play tennis - with her right or left hand. I hope my story will inspire many. I firmly believe that a clear goal and hard work on oneself can bring truly fabulous results!
You are the favorite of fashionable gloss. Elegant, slim, self-confident! What style of clothing do you prefer?
I am interested in vintage clothing and accessories. But I, as a rule, do not have enough time to search and try on. Plus, I'm always on my suitcases. For me it is imperative that things fit together as much as possible. I also love layering. And during shopping trips I am looking for clothes that are easy to carry in luggage and iron.
Of the designers, I like Isabel Marant, and the details and textures that she uses for her collections. I just love her jumpers! Pants prefer from Philip Lim (Phillip Lim). And I also love Rick Owens maxi skirts.
I am sure that clothing should only hint at preferences, and in no case overshadow the person’s personality. Otherwise, it will be like trying to hide behind a suit. My fashion sentence: "less - more"! Therefore, I do not like excess makeup and do not blindly follow fashion trends.
You are the founder of the Maria Sharapova Foundation. What does this project do?
I created the Children's Support Fund, so that every child has a chance to realize his dream. Today it is very important to build the necessary platform to support young talents. Help them graduate. I personally was very lucky in life, and therefore my duty is to share success with the rest. I really want to use my reputation and the money I receive to help other people. But besides this, I am quite tightly involved in working with the UN Development Program as an ambassador for peace.
For some time now they are trying to improve the socio-economic situation in Belarus. And my family comes from the town of Gomel, located near Chernobyl. Therefore, having learned about the UN initiative, I immediately responded and tried to support the Belarusian children with everything I could. The first two scholarships were awarded in November 2009, and by 2012 we already had 12 scholarship holders, whom I personally support. And believe me, this is just the beginning!
