Former tennis champion Maria Sharapova is launching a new podcast called Pretty Tough on April 22 in partnership with Vox Media. The show aims to highlight female ambition in sports and media, challenging the male-dominated landscape. Sharapova described it as a platform for pursuing excellence without apology.
Maria Sharapova announced her new podcast, Pretty Tough, on Instagram, stating, “Introducing Pretty Tough, my new show about the pursuit of excellence without apology. It challenges how we discuss female ambition and explores the multitudes that make us.” The project, produced with Vox Media, responds to the predominance of male voices in popular sports podcasts and media. She told the Wall Street Journal, “There are phenomenal women doing it, but there are certainly not enough of them.” Sharapova pitched the idea to multiple partners before selecting Vox Media, prioritizing creative control over financial incentives. The deal includes a guaranteed minimum and revenue sharing from advertising. The first season features guests such as comedian Chelsea Handler and NFL CFO Christine Dorfler. The 38-year-old Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam winner, brings her experiences from a career marked by scrutiny and resilience. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2025, with rival Serena Williams honoring her during the ceremony. Her father, Yuri, brought her to Florida at age seven to pursue tennis, shaping her determination. Episodes will be available on all major podcast platforms starting April 22.