In a statement yesterday, TAG Heuer announced Sharapova’s signing a long-term ambassador agreement with the Swiss watchmaking legend, covering product development, advertising, public relations and merchandising.

"To represent a brand as legendary as TAG Heuer is a great honor. TAG Heuer has been teaming with the greatest champions in the history of sports,” commented Sharapova in a statement.

“To me, TAG Heuer is the most prestigious luxury partner I can dream of, as legendary and glamorous as the individuals and teams with which it is so closely related, and yet at the same time ultra-fashionable and feminine. It's a perfect fit for me, as I love high tech, glamour and winning. I look forward to building a strong relationship with TAG Heuer in the coming years."

Like her fellow TAG Heuer Ambassadors, which include golfing legend Tiger Woods, Formula 1 race driver Kimi Raikkonen and world freediving Champion Tanya Streeter, Maria Sharapova will be directly involved in the development of new TAG Heuer products.

In particular, the new ambassador will share her insights on the TAG Heuer Formula 1 and 2000/Aquaracer series, which reflects her sporting allure and distinctively young and feminine appeal.

The multi years contract between TAG Heuer and Maria Sharapova will begin December 12th, 2004.

Maria Sharapova will soon be the newest face to be showcased extensively in the famous TAG Heuer advertising campaign, "What are you made of ?" shot by world famous photographer Patrick Demarchelier and to be disclosed early 2005.