Maria Sharapova of Russia returns the ball during her women's singles tennis match against Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing, October 1, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Lee
Age: 27 Nationality: Russian Prize money: $2.4 million Endorsements: $22 millionAs of October 2014, Sharapova is ranked as the world no. 2 by the Women’s Tennis Association. Thus far, she has endorsements such as Nike, Head and she recently launched her own candy line Sugarpova. REUTERS

The 2015 Stuttgart Open, also known as Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, boasts the participation of top seven female athletes. Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep, Ana Ivanovic, 2011 runner-up Caroline Wozniacki, and Petra Kvitova will be taking part in the said event, which will be held in the Porsche Arena from April 18 to April 26.

The tournament organisers revealed the news in a press release posted on its official site on Nov. 24. Tournament director and former Swiss tennis player Markus Günthardt has said that it was great that the top female tennis players have already committed to playing in Stuttgart this early. Günthardt added that it was a great way of showing their dedication and loyalty to the tournament.

"It is an indication that they trust us," Günthardt said. "It shows just how popular the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is amongst the players and the high status it enjoys on the worldwide WTA tour."

According to Günthardt, they couldn't be happier that the top-ranked female athletes love coming back to play in the tournament. He said they will do the best that they can to make the athletes' stay during the tournament more enjoyable for them. Günthardt also said that he also hopes that the Stuttgart Open will make it possible for the participating players to play their "best tennis."

Sharapova, who serves as Porsche's ambassador, is a three-time champion in Stuttgart, having had won the tournament in 2012, 2013 and 2014. She defeated Serbian athlete Ivanovic, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, in the finale of the 2014 Stuttgart Open. In 2012 and 2012, Sharapova beat Victoria Azarenka and recently retired Li Na, respectively. The Russian tennis superstar will enter the WTA event in hopes to successfully defend her title for four consecutive times.

The tournament has been won by other great athletes such as Tracy Austin, Martina Navratilova, Martina Hingis, and Lindsey Davenport. Navratilova holds the record for the most singles win at the tournament. Austin and Hingis are tied second with four wins each. Davenport and Sharapova have three wins apiece. Presale of tickets for the 2014 Stuttgart Open has already started on Oct. 1.

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