Sharapova’s star power on the courts is back in business

MARIA Sharapova’s outfit sparkled even if her play sometimes didn’t during her grand slam return at the US Open but the former world number one’s run to the fourth round showed she is back in business on and off the court.

Playing her first grand slam since returning from a 15-month doping ban, Sharapova proved a polarising presence at Flushing Meadows, feted by adoring fans but vilified in the small corners of the players’ locker room.

For television rights holders and the United States Tennis Association (USTA), seeing Sharapova’s name on the entry list was akin to winning the lottery, guaranteeing a bump in ratings and capacity crowds at the 23,000seat Arthur Ashe Stadium.

With the tournament ravaged by injuries and withdrawals, the Russian’s return provided a splash of glitz and glamour.

Sharapova’s US Open ended with a 5-7 6-4 6-2 loss to Latvian Anastasija Sevastova on Sunday, but her week-long run will help polish the Russian’s tarnished brand.

Not everyone at Flushing Meadows was enamoured with the comeback.

While the fans welcomed her with open arms and standing ovations, there was a chill among a group of players who believe the five-time grand slam champion was accorded special treatment due to her profile and marketability.

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki, Halep and Canadian Eugenie Bouchard have been among the loudest dissenters.

Fifth seed Wozniacki blasted the USTA and Sharapova when she was relegated to a small outside court for her second round match while the 146th ranked Russian soaked up the applause on centre court.

“Who comes back from a drugs sentence, performance enhancing drugs and then all of a sudden gets to play every single match on centre court?

“I think that’s a questionable thing to do,” fumed Wozniacki. “It doesn’t set a good example.”

Sharapova was unapologetic and delivered a stinging return worthy of anything she has produced on court.

“I’m in the fourth round. I’m not sure where (Wozniacki) is,” said the wildcard.

Her drug ban notwithstanding, Sharapova remains one of the world’s most recognisable athletes and could be set to regain her former corporate standing.

Sharapova was unable to deliver extended stretches of brilliant tennis at the US Open but there was every sign that the 30year-old is set to climb back up the rankings and reclaim her spot as one of the best paid women athletes.

For 11 straight years, she topped the Forbes list before slipping to second last year and dropping from the list completely for 2017.

American Express, Avon and Tag Heuer did not renew their sponsorship deals with Sharapova, while retained arrangements with Nike, Head, Evian and Porsche included huge reductions while she was off the tour for over a year, Forbes reported. Reuters