Aussie Open Sponsor Takes Shot At Sharapova On Billboard

Australian Open sponsor Vegemite "has been active with its advertising campaigns" around this year's event, and the company has "taken a swipe" at Maria Sharapova in its latest effort, according to Jake Michaels of ESPN.com. Following Sharapova's fourth-round loss to Ash Barty, Vegemite "erected a billboard in Melbourne with the words 'tastes like: Quiet please, Maria.'" Sharapova was "booed off Rod Laver Arena" after her match with the Australian native, as fans were upset with Sharapova's "trademark shrieking, as well as the fact she took a seven-minute bathroom break" after the second set. Vegemite sponsors Barty and her "cheer squad which appeared at all of her matches" (ESPN.com, 1/25). NEWS.com.au's Tyson Otto noted Vegemite's decision is "fueling debate on social media about an official sponsor actively sledging one of the tournament's biggest stars." Prior to the Barty match, the billboard was "much more Sharapova friendly" (NEWS.com.au, 1/24).