Sharapova launches a personal candy line

Russian tennis icon Maria Sharapova, third seed for next week's US Open, has launched her own brand of sweets.

The 25-year-old, who won this year's French Open and was a silver medallist at the London Olympics, has called the line "Sugarpova" and includes sweets in the shape of a tennis ball.

Maria Sharapova at the launch. Photo: AFP

"My main goal was to make candies that will fit my personal taste and the tastes of girls with similar preferences," she was quoted as saying at the launch in New York.

Proceeds from sales will go to charity, according to the brand's website.

Sharapova won the grand slam at Flushing Meadows in 2006.