Russian tennis beauty to be the face of Canon

Move over Anna, Venus and Serena. A new tennis star is stealing the marketing spotlight.

Maria Sharapova, this year's Wimbledon winner, adds Canon to her list of endorsement deals today. That's when the electronics company will announce that, beginning next year, Maria will appear in ads as the global face for Canon's entire line of products — from digital cameras to office copiers. The high-fashion, 17-year-old Russian beauty already has deals with Motorola and perfume company Parlux Fragrances.
She also brings something to the deals that's lacking from Anna Kournikova — the other Russian tennis player hot in marketing circles: victories on the tennis court.
"Venus and Serena have done it with their athletic ability, and Anna Kournikova was more sold on her sex appeal," says John Bevilaqua, CEO of sports marketing firm, Sequiam Sports.

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