Tennis legend Maria Sharapova appeared on the Binance Blockchain Week Paris 2022 to share her curiosity in nonfungible tokens (NFTs).
Throughout an unique interview with Cointelegraph, Sharapova talked about that “she is exposing herself to this new world of crypto and Web3,” noting that the sector will assist her higher interact together with her followers. Sharapova was additionally one of many strategic traders behind MoonPay’s Collection A financing spherical, but she talked about that she goals to bridge her private experiences to the digital world shifting ahead.
Cointelegraph: What are you doing right here right now at Binance Blockchain Week Paris?
Maria Sharapova: I’m crypto curious and want to determine learn how to bridge the unbelievable bodily experiences that I have been capable of have with my followers over so a few years. I’m now discovering methods to incorporate experiences within the digital world, in order that’s what I’m most enthusiastic about. Additionally, as a feminine entrepreneur, I imagine it’s necessary to pave the best way for different girls to enter Web3. Cash is a subject that I really feel we don’t converse sufficient about as girls.
CT: Do you might have plans to launch an NFT undertaking?
MS: I’ve been taking a look at this area for a number of months now, as I’m somebody who’s extra in favor of alternatives for the lengthy haul. Once I noticed the chance to bridge bodily with digital experiences, I knew I wished it to be a long-term expertise for myself. Storytelling is essential and it’s an enormous element of Web3. I believe tales will likely be instructed higher for each events when enthusiastic about a undertaking long-term.
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CT: Do you assume NFTs will help create higher fan engagement?
MS: Completely. NFTs are about discovering methods to speak with the best communities interested by what I’m doing inside a unique sort of area. For instance, I used to be seen on a tv display screen each week taking part in tennis for therefore a few years, but I now not have that platform every day as a result of I retired a few years in the past. The Web3 expertise has given me entry to my followers in totally new methods. I really feel like I’m extra engaged with them, versus them simply being engaged by watching me compete.
CT: As a feminine entrepreneur and former athlete, do you might have plans to get extra girls concerned in Web3?
MS: I need to permit girls to have an area the place they experiment with Web3. For instance, I used to be 17 after I gained my first grand slam and social media was by no means a part of that have. It took years for me to get snug with social media over time. I believe Web3 can be an space the place one has to get on the market with the intention to be taught and develop from it. As I discussed earlier, the dialog about cash, finance, crypto and blockchain is a taboo dialog. Individuals could really feel that until they learn about these subjects, they shouldn’t converse up. However I believe this ought to be the opposite means round — you be taught much more when you ask questions and become involved.
CT: Why did you resolve to spend money on MoonPay?
MS: I need to diversify my portfolio. At first, my investments had been round shopper items. For instance, I invested within the sunscreen model Supergoop early on. I’m now exposing myself to a wholly new class.
CT: What do you assume are the most important challenges related to Web3 and the way can we overcome these?
MS: I’d like to see the standard of Web3 experiences come via a bit extra and enhance, particularly within the digital area.
Current: Are decentralized digital identities the longer term or only a area of interest use case?
CT: Any further feedback?
MS: I’m actually within the NFT area as a result of it bridges my ardour for trend, inside design and creating areas which might be distinctive to people and communities. I’ve change into extra on this area as a result of it has extra of a design perspective. It’s additionally a wholly new income stream that each artists and ladies are discovering.
