Tennis idol Sharapova to become brand ambassador for Porsche

(April 24, 2013) STUTTGART — Tennis megastar Maria Sharapova has taken on a new role: effective immediately, the 26-year-old world class player will be representing the sports car manufacturer Porsche as brand ambassador. The cooperation is initially signed for three years and involves a global communications campaign.

The athlete is already very familiar with the vehicles from Zuffenhausen, as last year´s winner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Sharapova not only took home prize money, but also a white 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.

Born in Russia and living in the United States, Sharapova has achieved victories at all four Grand Slam tournaments in women's tennis and she was rank
ed number 1 for 21 weeks.

"Maria Sharapova is an exceptional athlete. She combines top performance in her sports with elegance and power. These are precisely the qualities that are embroiled in our sports cars," as Matthias Mueller, CEO of Porsche AG, explained in the introduction of the partnership. According to Mueller it was not easy to find the right person to be Porsche´s ambassador. "Maria Sharapova is the perfect choice. Her profile and charisma are an ideal fit for Porsche. She is also highly respected around the world and enjoys an outstanding reputation."

"This is a really special day for me,“ said Sharapova. “I have had the privilege to be associated with some of the best brands in the world, but now to be partners with Porsche, is such an amazing honor," she explained during her presentation in Stuttgart.

For Porsche, the choice of Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador extends its long-term commitment to women´s tennis. The company sponsors the German women's national team, which competes as the Porsche Team Germany in the Fed Cup, and the Porsche Talent Team Germany, which supports promising young players.

"We are fully committed to these activities for a long term. And with Maria Sharapova, we are now extending our involvement in women's tennis globally," Mueller added.