The WTA – the Women’s Tennis Association – is serving up Donald Trump, Aretha Franklin, Rory McIlroy and Sir Richard Branson to promote the game.
WTA’s new Strong Is Beautiful campaign features celebrities from entertainment, music, business, film and sport speaking of their love of women’s tennis.
The celebrities agreed to appear for free in various print and video spots.
The first phase of the campaign includes The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin; Academy Award winning actress Susan Sarandon; Virgin Group boss Richard Branson; real estate mogul Donald Trump and US Open Champion and World No.1 golfer in 2012, Rory McIlroy.
WTA stars featured in the marketing blitz include Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Kim Clijsters, Caroline Wozniacki, Li Na, Victoria Azarenka, Agnieszka Radwanska, Sam Stosur, Petra Kvitova, and Ana Ivanovic.
"All of those celebrities like the sport, so we’re using like-minded people to try to build a brand," said WTA chairman and CEO, Stacey Allaster.
"If someone is a fan of one of those celebs, the ultimate goal would be to try to engage with those fans and have them watch and follow WTA tennis and ultimately become a fan."
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