Sharapova adds oomph to Manila Mavericks

Maria Sharapova (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

MANILA, Philippines — Five-time grand slam winner Maria Sharapova has been named as member of the Manila Mavericks, one of four teams that make up the pioneering International Premier Tennis League which kicks off on Nov. 28 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sharapova’s selection was announced by Eric Gottschalk, COO of the budding league which aims to give the sport’s superstars and legends a venue to showcase their talents.

The beauteous 6-foot-2 Sharapova boosts the star power of the Mavericks who already have Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kirsten Flipkens, Filipino star Treat Huey and former world beaters Daniel Nestor and Carlos Moya.

Sharapova replaced Belarusian Victoria Azarenka on the Mavericks squad.

The 27-year-old Russian superstar is coming off a second victory at the French Open.

Sharapova completed a career grand slam when she first won at Roland Garros in 2012. She scored her first three grand slam victories in the 2008 Australian Open, 2004 Wimbledon and the 2006 US Open.

The Manila event, which organizers said is far from the off-season “hit and giggle” tournaments, stakes $1 million in total prize money.

Aside from the Manila Mavericks, also seeing action are teams from Singapore, India and the United Arab Emirates.