After showing her sour side last week, tennis star Maria Sharapova wants to reveal her sweet side.
Sharapova, who grabbed headlines last weekend when she fired coach Jimmy Connors after one match, now is getting attention for another change she intends to make during the U.S. Open.
According to CBSSports.com, Sharapova has begun to make plans to change her last name to "Sugarpova" for the duration of the U.S. Open, the final grand slam of the tennis season. According to the report, Sharapova has opened a candy company by that name and has invested some $500,000 in the company so far.
Several media reports indicate that Sharapova has approached the Florida Supreme Court in finding out the process to change her name, legally.
CBSSports.com added that the No. 3 women's tennis player in the world would change her name back to "Sharapova" after the conclusion of the U.S. Open.
According to TheAge.com.au, the Sugarpova symbol will be a pair of red lips that will appear on the tennis star's clothing during the tournament.
Sharapova launched the company a year ago in the U.S., followed by launches elsewhere to coincide with her appearances at major tournaments, TheAge.com.au added.
The website also reported that Sharapova's foray into the candy business has not been universally welcomed. Critics have lashed out at Sharapova for using her fame on court to sell sweets to young fans.
In Britain, the National Obesity Forum reportedly accused Sharapova of being "irresponsible" for promoting unhealthy eating and failing to identify the difference between snacking and excessive consumption.
TheAge.com.au added that Sugarpova expected to sell 1.5 million bags of sweets in its first year at $5 to $6 a bag. Sharapova said she hopes to expand into areas such as fashion, accessories and make-up.
At least, she's used to the criticism after her much-publicized quick split from Connors. Her agent said Connors had been "not the right fit at this stage of her career."
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