Maria Sharapova to change name to Sugarpova

The tennis player wants to promote her candy brand

Published August 20, 2013 3:37PM (EDT)

Maria Sharapova     (<a href='http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-842284p1.html'>s_bukley</a> via <a href='http://www.shutterstock.com/'>Shutterstock</a>)
Maria Sharapova (s_bukley via Shutterstock)

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova is reportedly changing her name to Maria Sugarpova during the US Open. The temporary name change is part of a bizarre two-week publicity stunt meant to promote her candy company, called Sugarpova.

According to the Times, Sugarpova's logo -- "a pair of red lips" -- will also appear on Sharapova's uniform.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Branding Candy Maria Sharapova Maria Sugarpova Tennis Us Open