Along with Jelena Jankovic, Venus Williams and Sania Mirza, Maria Sharapova will headline a new World Team Challenge sponsored by the JB Group, replacing the current incarnation of the JB Group Classic. The new format will feature four regional-teams: The Americas, Asia Pacific, Russia, and Europe. The four squads will consist of three players each who will take part in singles and doubles play. Each team will be led by the above mentioned superstars: Serbia’s Jankovic will represent team Europe, Williams of the US will lead Team Americas, Sharapova headlines the Russian squad, and India’s Mirza will head-up Asia Pacific. Taking place in Hong Kong from January 7-10, the tournament is expected to be a an exciting lead-in to the Australian Open.
I was going to say that Venus Williams is a Nike Athlete, but come to think of it that’s Serena. Maria Sharapova is of course one of the more well-known athletes in Nike’s stable as well as the face of a new line from Cole Haan. Mirza wears Lotto and I think Jankovic, along with Venus, wears Reebok.
