Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova will join NBC network on its coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia. The Olympics will begin on February 6, 2014. This development was announced earlier this week by NBC.
According to reports, Sharapova will serve as a correspondent where she provides commentary and insights on Russia’s first staging of the Winter Olympics.
“Maria transcends sports as one of the world’s most recognizable stars,” said Jim Bell, Executive Producer of NBC Olympics. “Growing up in Sochi until she was six years old and with family and friends still living in the area, Maria will offer a unique and personal perspective on a place she knows so well.”
Sharapova was a flag bearer for her country at the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Ending the season as world number four, Sharapova is one of the ten female players to achieve a “Career Grand Slam” winning the prestigious titles at Wimbledon (2004), U.S. Open (2006), Australian Open (2008) and French Open (2012). She has accumulated a total of 29 WTA titles and has been ranked world number one five times. The Russian has been tagged as one of the top 100 most powerful celebrities by Forbes from 2005 to 2011. She’s also the highest paid female tennis player due to her numerous endorsements and her successful business venture – Sugarpova.
