MOTOROLA has signed a deal with Wimbledon women's champion Maria Sharapova.

The 17-year-old Russian, who has taken over compatriot Anna Kournikova's role as tennis's pin-up, also has the skills on the court as shown so convincingly by her performance at the All England Club earlier in the summer.

Motorola, which has offices in Groundwell in Swindon, has announced an international marketing deal with the world's number eight.

It will promote "seamless mobility," the research for which is carried out at Groundwell.

Sharapova said: "My phone is always with me and Motorola's products will allow me to stay connected wherever I am in the world.

"I am really looking forward to everything I can do any time, from downloading music to checking my email."