Kuerten, a three-time French Open winner, will help promote the sport across Brazil and he will have a presence at the Miami Open, Itaú Tour Masters and Rio Open tournaments, all of which are sponsored by Itaú.

"I and Itaú have this thing in common, which is to recognize the sport the power to change people's lives and the need to be involved in projects to this end," Kuerten said.

"Both the bank is one of the companies that invested in social projects related to sports in the country in 2014.

"The Itaú already supports tennis for a long time and am very happy to be able to contribute as a brand ambassador, in support of sports development in Brazil."

The bank has been involved in tennis for some time and has helped contribute to a number of projects, including the Training Center Itaú/Tennis Institute, an academy set up to help the development of young players.

This year at the Rio Open, held last year, the company distributed free tennis balls depending on the amount of fan engagement at the tournament.

Itaú also sponsor the Women's Future Tennis Circuit and it supports competitions on the ATP Challenger Tour, and executive director Fernando Chacon is delighted to have Kuerten on board.

Former world number one Kuerten won the French Open title on three separate occasions in 1997, 2000 and 2001 ©Getty Images



"Having Guga on our team is very rewarding and greatly adds to our performance in the sport," he said.

"Guga transmits values such as determination, discipline and simplicity and, like Itaú, believes in the importance of sport as a tool manufacturing company."

Kuerten, who retired from the sport in 2008, remains the only South American player in history to finish a season on top of the world rankings, and during his illustrious career he claimed 20 singles titles.

The 38-year old also won eight doubles titles and he is widely regarded as one of the best clay court players of all-time.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]