Muhammad Ali, Maria Sharapova and Magnus Carlsen star in a new Porsche 911 ad

Three of the world’s greatest sports personalities joined forces for the new television advertisement of luxury car brand, Porsche. Called “Compete,” boxing legend Muhammad Ali, five-time Grand Slam tennis champion Maria Sharapova and world-class chess maestro Magnus Carlsen compete with none other than themselves because "only the best have a chance against the best."

“Greatness comes from within, from pitting you against you, onto the greatest version of you,” Porsche wrote on its official YouTube page. “Through the magic of film, we get to see what would happen if Muhammad Ali stepped in the ring against himself, if Maria Sharapova faced off against herself, and if Magnus Carlsen sat across a board from himself, all to help the story of a new 911 being born.”

According to the press release posted on Porsche’s official website, the commercial was shot in two continents, with the backdrop shot in Budapest, Hungary. The scene was filmed using CGI effects, especially the part that involves Ali, wherein the face of the boxing legend was digitally reworked. A body double, Darrell Foster, had to undergo training for five weeks for the commercial.

The new Porsche 911 commercial premiered during Sharapova’s tennis exhibition event called “Maria Sharapova & Friends” that took place in Los Angeles last weekend. Past, present and future tennis stars showed their support to the Russian tennis darling during the charity event in an effort to raise funds to provide support for underprivileged children all over the world.

Tennis players who headlined “Maria Sharapova & Friends” event include Asian No. 1 male tennis player Kei Nishikori, Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, Jack Sock and Laura Robson. Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick and recently-retired player Mardy Fish were also in attendance. Hollywood personalities such as Chelsea Handler and Will Arnett also lent their time for the charity event.

Video courtesy: YouTube/Porsche

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