Sharapova's Presence @ Wimbledon

Sharapova’s Presence

These days, Maria Yuryevna Sharapova, makes her presence felt at the grass courts of Wimbledon. Her presence is seen by millions around the world who watch her play and hear her “Sharapova Shriek” on television.

Her cry was first heard 19 April 1987 in Nyagan, Siberia, Russia. That’s twenty years ago!

She lives in Florida, USA. She turned pro in 1981. Has 15 career titles and two Grand Slam singles titles. She is the reigning U.S. Open champion, having defeated Justine Henin in the final of the 2006 U.S. Open. Two years earlier, she defeated Serena Williams in the final at Wimbledon.

And she is only 20 years old this year.

At the end of 2006, she was the world's highest-paid female athlete.



But this blog is really about her strong and popular presence off-court has earned her numerous advertising contracts.

Following her Wimbledon victory in 2004, Sharapova signed a one-year deal with Honda, but the deal was only in Japan.

In April 2006, Sharapova signed a three-year deal to endorse one of the vehicles of Land Rover. It was reportedly worth approximately U.S. $2 million per year. Plus, she gets a free Land Rover Range Rover Sport in Florida and a chauffeured Land Rover Discovery wherever she wants.

She is also present in Motorola which includes of course a mobile phone and all her mobile phone bills paid, plus a share of the income of downloads from HelloMoto/Maria.

Her popularity extends to Gatorade and Tropicana.

In December 2004, she signed a deal with Swiss sports watch TAG Heuer to become their latest "sport and glamour" ambassador.

Sharapova has been known to wear somewhat eccentric or revealing outfits from Nike on court. At the 2006 U.S. Open, her Breakfast at Tiffany's-inspired dress, with many its use of sequins and futuristic neckline made its presence felt. She also has been featured in several Nike marketing campaigns, including one advertisement in 2006 that has her walking and riding through the streets of New York City and Arthur Ashe Stadium while everyone around her sings "I Feel Pretty" until she returns a serve with her trademark loud grunt.

Sharapova has committed to Prince Sports, Inc. for "lifetime" sponsorship agreement with the only tennis racket she has used as a pro. The deal will last until the end of her playing career and beyond.

Her presence also communicates brand messages for both Canon office and camera products.

Sharapova's endorsements have earned her considerably more than she has won in tournament play. In June 2005, Forbes magazine listed her as the highest-paid female athlete in the world, with annual earnings of U.S. $18 million.

In total, she earns over UK£13.4 million per year, over 90 percent of which comes from endorsements. In a later interview, she said, "You know, one of the greatest things about being an athlete and, you know, making money is realising that you can help, you know, help the world, and especially children, who I absolutely love working with."