SHE’S BACK: SHARAPOVA GIVEN US OPEN WILDCARD
MARIA Sharapova is set to make her first Grand Slam appearance since serving her 15month drugs ban after being handed a wildcard for the main draw of the US Open.
The 30-year-old Russian returned to action in April but was denied a place in the French Open, as tournament organisers decided she was not deserving of a wildcard.
Injury then prevented the former world No.1 from taking part in qualifying for Wimbledon but Sharapova, who won the US Open in 2006, is being welcomed back to Flushing Meadows.
It is a move that will be met with criticism and, as part of the decision from the United States Tennis Association, Sharapova has agreed to speak to young US players about the anti-doping program.
“The USTA has granted Maria Sharapova a wildcard into the main draw of the US Open,” a USTA statement said. “Her suspension under the terms of the tennis antidoping program was completed and therefore was not one of the factors weighed in our wildcard selection process.
“Consistent with past practice, a wildcard was provided to a past US champion who needed the wildcard for entry into the main draw.
“Additionally, Sharapova has volunteered to speak to young tennis players at the USTA National Campus about the importance of the tennis anti-doping program and the personal responsibility each player has to comply with the program’s requirements.”
Sharapova is currently suffering from a left forearm injury which forced her to pull out of this week’s Cincinnati Open. It has disrupted her preparations for the US Open – which starts on August 28 – though not having to go through qualifying will give her more time to recover.
Twelve-time Grand Slam singles champion Billie Jean King was among those welcoming the news last night.
“Great for the sport to have her back,” she said.