Sharapova to change her last name for brand promotion

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova has planned to change her last name into Sugarpova temporarily to promote her candy brand.

Sharapova has applied to the Supreme Court of Florida, in the United State, for the two-week name change during the upcoming US Open tournament as a way to draw more attention to her sweets line.

Besides necessary legal procedures, the top athlete should also get approval of the US Open organisers to make her new name displayed during the tournament, reports Xinhua.

The Sugarpova company was founded by the former World No.1 player in 2012 with some $500,000. There are various flavours of the sweets including labels such as "flirty" and "smitten". Its has a pair of pink lips as the symbol.

The 26-year-old Russian blonde led the Forbes list of highest-paid female athletes this year, earning $29 million between June 2012 and June 2013.

Sharapova is on top for the ninth straight year. She has received that money from tournaments prizes and sponsors endorsement deals.