Nigel Currie, co-chairman of the European Sponsorship Association, said: 'Sharapova has the looks, age, personality, talent and that essential "wow" factor that Beckham brings to men's sport. But I think Sharapova can go much bigger than him.'
Before the tournament, No.13 seed Sharapova was unfancied outsider at 25-1. AWilliam Hill spokesman for said: 'She was a good result for bookmakers. Before Wimbledon began, all the money was on the Williams sisters.'
Meanwhile, Greece winning Euro 2004 was the biggest upset in football betting history.
Ladbrokes said: 'The match itself was a loser for us but, taken as a whole tournament, Euro 2004 has been phenomenal business.'
One lucky William Hill punter is £332,625 richer after the 1-0 victory over Portugal. He staked £4,000 at a branch in Woking on June 23 when the Greeks were 50/1 long shots.
He bet another £8,000 five days later when the odds were cut to 10-1, then returned yesterday to place five more bets totalling £12,500 - a total outlay of £24,500.
