Tennis legend Maria Sharapova appeared at Binance Blockchain Week Paris 2022 to share her curiosity in non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Throughout an unique interview with Cointelegraph, Sharapova talked about that “she’s exposing herself to this new world of crypto and Web3,” noting that the sector will assist her higher join together with her followers. Sharapova was additionally one of many strategic traders behind MoonPay’s Collection A funding spherical, however talked about that she is eager to attach her private experiences with the long run digital world.

Maria Sharapova (proper) with Cointelegraph Senior Reporter Rachel Wolfson (left) at Binance Blockchain Week Paris 2022. Supply: Rachel Wolfson

Cointelegraph: What are you doing right here at the moment at Binance Blockchain Week Paris?

Maria Sharapova: I am crypto-curious and would love to determine easy methods to bridge the unbelievable bodily experiences I’ve had with my followers over so a few years. I am now discovering methods to include experiences into the digital world, and that is what I am trying ahead to essentially the most. I additionally imagine that as an entrepreneur it is very important pave the best way for different girls to enter the Web3. Cash is a topic that I believe we girls do not speak about sufficient.

CT: Do you might have any plans to begin an NFT venture?

MRS: I have been taking a look at this area for just a few months now as I am somebody who’s extra into long run alternatives. After I noticed the chance to mix bodily with digital experiences, I knew I wished to make it a long-term expertise for myself. Storytelling is essential and a giant a part of Web3. I believe tales are instructed higher for each events if you assume long-term a couple of venture.

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CT: Do you assume NFTs will help create higher fan engagement?

MRS: Completely. NFTs are about discovering methods to speak with the fitting communities which are inquisitive about what I am doing in one other area. For instance, I used to be on a tv display screen enjoying tennis each week for thus a few years, however I not have that platform every day as a result of I retired just a few years in the past. The Web3 expertise gave me entry to my followers in a complete new manner. I really feel like I am participating with them greater than they simply become involved by watching me compete.

CT: As an entrepreneur and ex-athlete, do you might have any plans to draw extra girls to Web3?

MRS: I need to give girls an area to experiment with Web3. For instance, I used to be 17 after I gained my first Grand Slam and social media was on no account a part of that have. It took me years to get used to social media over time. I believe Web3 can also be an space the place you must get out with the intention to study and develop from it. As I discussed earlier, speaking about cash, finance, crypto and blockchain is taboo dialog. Individuals could really feel that they should not converse up if they do not know about these points. However I believe it needs to be the opposite manner round – you study much more by asking questions and getting concerned.

CT: Why did you resolve to put money into MoonPay?

MRS: I need to diversify my portfolio. To start with, my investments centered on consumer items. For instance, I invested within the solar safety model Supergoop early on. I’m now exposing myself to a complete new class.

CT: What do you assume are the largest challenges associated to Web3 and the way can we overcome them?

MRS: I would like to see the standard of Web3 experiences catch on and enhance a bit, particularly within the digital realm.

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CT: Any extra feedback?

MRS: I am actually within the NFT area as a result of it combines my ardour for trend, inside design and creating areas which are distinctive to people and communities. I am extra on this area as a result of it has extra of a design perspective. It is also a complete new income stream that each artists and ladies are discovering.