Sharapova hopes to become Sugarpova for US Open

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova hopes to legally change her surname to Sugarpova for the duration of the US Open - to promote a brand of sweets, according to The Times (£).

The former world No. 1 has approached the Supreme Court of Florida about a “quickie” name-change, but would return to Sharapova after the two-week tournament, sources close to the 26 year old said.

Sharapova plans to wear the logo of the sweets brand - a pair of red lips - on her kit during the last grand slam of the year.

Should the court and the grand slam committee allow Sharapova to proceed, she could be introduced, addressed and have scores called out as Miss Sugarpova for as long as she remains in the event.