Grand slam designs: Maria Sharapova's fashion statement

    By Paul Gittings, CNN

    Updated 1557 GMT (2357 HKT) January 27, 2012

    Maria Sharapova strikes the perfect pose as she puts away a forehand during this year's Australian Open.
    Photos: Sharapova's winning design
    The epitome of style – Maria Sharapova strikes the perfect pose as she puts away a forehand during this year's Australian Open.
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    Her dress for the tennis season's opening grand slam was designed to embrace fashion and high performance.
    Photos: Sharapova's winning design
    Suitably sporty – Her dress for the tennis season's opening grand slam was designed to embrace fashion and high performance.
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    Sharapova's collection is being sported by a number of players including Indy De Vroome of the Netherlands.
    Photos: Sharapova's winning design
    Fashion followers – Sharapova's collection is being sported by a number of players including Indy De Vroome of the Netherlands.
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    Sharapova's tennis shoes are color co-ordinated with the dress range and are among the lightest and most flexible in the market.
    Photos: Sharapova's winning design
    Fleetness of foot – Sharapova's tennis shoes are color co-ordinated with the dress range and are among the lightest and most flexible in the market.
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    America's 13-time grand slam champion Serena Williams also unveiled a collection of dresses for the 2012 Australian Open.
    Photos: Sharapova's winning design
    Serena's rival collection – America's 13-time grand slam champion Serena Williams also unveiled a collection of dresses for the 2012 Australian Open.
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    In 2006, Sharapova made heads turn with her "Little Black Dress" -- an outfit encrusted with beaded crystals which she wore as she claimed the U.S. Open crown.
    Photos: Sharapova's winning design
    The Little Black Dress – In 2006, Sharapova made heads turn with her "Little Black Dress" -- an outfit encrusted with beaded crystals which she wore as she claimed the U.S. Open crown.
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    Sharapova's intensity and desire to win have kept her at the top of the women's game since her first grand slam title in 2004.
    Photos: Sharapova's winning design
    Winning mentality – Sharapova's intensity and desire to win have kept her at the top of the women's game since her first grand slam title in 2004.
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    Sharapova at the launch of a Cole Haan collection of clothing and accessories bearing her name.
    Photos: Sharapova's winning design
    Fashion icon – Sharapova at the launch of a Cole Haan collection of clothing and accessories bearing her name.
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    Story highlights

    • Maria Sharapova has designed her own clothing for grand slams since 2010
    • The collection has proved a popular item in the tennis retail world
    • The Russian superstar collaborates with fashion house Cole Haan
    • She plays Victoria Azarenka in the women's singles final at the Australian Open
    Maria Sharapova certainly means business when she steps onto a tennis court.
    Whatever the situation, winning or losing, there is no let-up. A big serve, blistering ground strokes, winning points often greeted with a clenched fist and shrieks of exultation.
    Opponents are not so much beaten as bludgeoned into submission -- although at the handshake Sharapova is never less than courteous and sporting, the intensity replaced by a smile.
    It's a winning formula that has brought the 24-year-old Russian three grand slam titles and made her the highest-paid sportswoman in the world, with an eight-year Nike deal worth a reported $70 million.
    Sharapova: Serving social media or backhanded marketing?
    She can return to the top of the world rankings by winning Saturday's Australian Open final, capping a remarkable comeback after injuries almost ended her career.
    With such a hunger for success, it's no surprise that Sharapova pays great attention to every aspect of her performance -- and that extends to her on-court appearance and apparel.
    World No. 4 Maria Sharapova has long been known for her on-court shrieks and the Russian has recently attracted criticism as a result. The three-time grand slam champion claimed she will continue to make the noises until they are outlawed.
    Photos: The noisiest players in tennis
    World No. 4 Maria Sharapova has long been known for her on-court shrieks and the Russian has recently attracted criticism as a result. The three-time grand slam champion claimed she will continue to make the noises until they are outlawed.