Maria feels goosebumps after US Open opportunity

SECOND CHANCE On a comeback trail after doping ban, fivetime Grand Slam champion grateful for wildcard

Maria Sharapova described her wildcard for the US Open as “so, so special”, adding that it gave her goosebumps.

The five-time Grand Slam champion will make her first major appearance since returning from a 15-month doping ban after being handed a wildcard for the main draw at Flushing Meadows. Reacting to the news, Sharapova posted on Twitter: “Thank you, @usopen. This is so so special. #goosebumps”.

Serena Williams, feeling “new power” from her pregnancy, is already preparing for an Australian Open title defence in January. In a wideranging interview with Vogue, Williams said she had set herself a goal of playing Melbourne. “It’s the most outrageous plan,” said Williams.

Martin del Potro made a winning return to the Cincinnati Open on Tuesday when he ground out a 3-6, 7-6(1), 6-0 victory over Czech Tomas Berdych to reach the second round on Tuesday. Australian Nick Kyrgios beat Belgian ninth seed David Goffin 6-2, 6-3 to reach the second round.

Garbine Muguruza got her final U.S. Open tune-up event off to a flying start as the Wimbledon champion stormed by Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, 6-0 to reach the third round. Second seed Simona Halep overcame an early deficit to beat American qualifier Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-1 and also reach the third round, while Venus Williams beat Alison Riske 6-2, 6-0 to advance.

Leander Paes and his German partner Alexander Zverev bowed out of the Cincinnati Open after Spanish duo of Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez defeated them 6-2, 6(2)-7, 6-10.