10K-Mary Pierce

Two-time singles Grand Slam winner Mary Pierce of France was named the ambassador for this year's edition of the TCS World 10K on Thursday.

Pierce, who clinched the French Open by beating Conchita Martínez in 2000, is the last player -- male or female -- from her country to have won a singles title at the Roland Garros.

The World 10K is scheduled for May 27 this year.

“I am excited to be the ambassador for the upcoming TCS World 10k race in Bengaluru! I always enjoyed running, it was a part of my training. It not only builds you physically, but it also improves your health and strengthens your mind! I wish all the participants good and have a great race!", Pierce told the organisers in a telephonic chat.

Pierce reached her career-high singles ranking of world No 3 in 1995, post her first Grand Slam singles title -- the Australian Open -- in January 1995. The 43-year-old has also won two doubles majors, one being the Wimbledon mixed doubles crown with Mahesh Bhupathi in 2005. The triumph was also her last Grand Slam crown in a 17-year-old career which was marred by a serious knee injury.

Pierce currently trains young tennis players in Mauritius. Vivek Singh, joint managing director of Procam International, said Pierce's career story will inspire the runners of the World 10K.

"Having Mary in our midst is a great honour and we are grateful for her presence. As an athlete, Mary’s personal story of grit and pure hard work will inspire many of our runners, while her post-professional tennis career life will encourage people to look beyond the finish line," he said.