Federer/Sharapova Named To Top Spin Cover Company: Apus Software Product: Top Spin 2K Sports today announced that international tennis champions Roger Federer, the reigning Wimbledon champion and #1 ranked men's player and Maria Sharapova, the #2 ranked women's tennis player in the world will be the official spokespersons and cover athletes for Top Spin on the PlayStation 2. "We're thrilled to have two of the most exciting tennis players representing our game," stated Erik Whiteford, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. "Roger Federer is by far the most talented and dominant men's tennis player in the game today. Maria Sharapova's power, competitive drive and tenacity have established her as one of the most important and visible players on the women's tour. Both players exhibit the winning attitude of great tennis champions, making them a natural choice to represent the best tennis video game." Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of the most dominant men's players in the history of professional tennis having just won his third straight Wimbledon Championship. As the current number one player on the men's tour, Federer succeeded in winning three out of the four Grand Slams in 2004 - The Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. At age 23, most experts believe Federer has only begun his tennis dominance. "I am honored to be chosen as the cover athlete for Top Spin," said Roger Federer. "The game does an excellent job of capturing the intensity of tennis and combines that with incredible visuals. Simply put, fans are in for a treat as 2K Sports has done an excellent job delivering the best and most realistic tennis game." Maria Sharapova has dramatically risen through the rankings of the ladies tennis tour. Her breakout year in 2004 led Sharapova to her first Grand Slam tournament at Wimbledon. She capped the year by winning the prestigious season-ending Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships presented by Porsche. Sharapova has recorded 10 Sony Ericsson WTA singles titles and 3 Sony Ericsson WTA doubles titles in her blossoming career. At only 18, she is the #2 ranked women's tennis player in the world and has a very bright future in professional tennis. "Being on the cover of the top tennis game in the world is something I'm very proud of," said Maria Sharapova. "It's an honor that my hard work and achievements are being recognized in this manner. Now, everyone gets a shot to play against me - but look out, I'm bringing my 'A' game in Top Spin!" Top Spin for the PlayStation 2 comes ready to serve up the best tennis experience anywhere. Gamers will be able to select 16 of the top male and female players including Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, and many more. Top-notch visuals, intuitive controls, and new features including online play finally bring the best tennis experience to PlayStation 2 gamers. Top Spin for PlayStation 2 will be released in late summer 2005. -Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker Related Links: 2K Games