The sky’s the limit for Maria Sharapova. The Russian trophy-winning and money-making machine has become the first ever Porsche’s global endorser, signing a three-year deal with the German sports car manufacturer. The timing of the cooperation announcement couldn’t be better, as the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix tournament is on schedule this week and Sharapova won the title last year as well as a white Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.
Buyers of the luxury car are predominantly men, but Sharapova’s appeal, brand power and reputation are a perfect choice for any target audience and Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller considers the 26-year-old’s profile and charisma an ideal fit for the company.
Porsche joins the long list of Sharapova’s high-profile sponsors: Cole Haan, Evian, Head, Nike, Samsung, Tiffany & Co. and Tag Heuer.
At the 2013 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Sharapova is top seed and after a first-round bye she’ll play the winner of the match between Mona Barthel or Lucie Safarova. (photo: Ralf Reinecke)
Wow, I’m so… how shall I put it… well, flabbergasted by this news, that I have immediately forgotten having missed any report on your own country’s Fed Cup team’s magnificent performance against the overwhelming favourites, the Germans! Surely, it has nothing to do with Ana Ivanovic – best known, judging by this blog, for her promotion of the Adidas wear – leading the JJless team and thrashing both of her formidable opponents in the singles, eh?
Tulp, you’re right. But if I covered the World Group Play-offs then I would be criticized for not covering the semifinals, and I had time only for one of the two.