Sharapova has ’em all talking

– Rivals remain divided over Maria Sharapova (above) as the former world No 1 from Russia prepares to return to Grand Slam tennis today at the US Open after a 15-month doping ban.

The 30-year-old Russian received a wildcard into the field for the year’s final Grand Slam event that starts today with the night featured match pitting Sharapova against Romania’s second-ranked Simona Halep.

“I don’t think any tennis fan in the world is not going to have that match on. Let’s be honest,” said US 15th seed Madison Keys.

“We all knew it was inevitable she would be back and playing. I’m sure this first round is going to be interesting. Everyone knew there was a possibility something like this would happen.”

Five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova was banned after testing positive for the blood boosting drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.

She was not offered a wildcard into the French Open and many players were unhappy she had wildcards into other events starting in April.

While Sharapova is 6-0 against Halep, she has played only one warm-up match due to a forearm injury which followed a thigh injury that kept her out of Wimbledon.

But the US Open offered a wildcard, saying she had served her ban and was treated like any other past champion needing a wildcard.

“It’s once again something really tricky to answer, because I guess when someone has been banned or out of competition, I think you have to work for it a little bit to go and play your tournaments and not help that much sometimes,” Wimbledon champion and Spanish third seed Garbine Muguruza said.

“You’ve got to work hard and deserve it again.”

That said, Muguruza praised Sharapova as a player, saying, “I think she’s a fighter, great attitude, big fight, spirit on the court. I guess the fans want her back.”

World No 1 Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic says Sharapova’s return is a positive move.

“It’s a good story for the tournament that she’s back. I think it’s going to be a very good match,” Pliskova said. –

New York

I think she’s a fighter, great attitude, big fight, spirit on the court.

Garbine Muguruza Wimbledon champion