Murray expects Sharapova to be at Wimbledon –byrightorby wildcard

World No 1 thinks Russian will get lifeline if she fails to earn place at Wimbledon

World No 1 Andy Murray would expect Wimbledon to grant Maria Sharapova a wildcard if the returning Russian does not qualify for the tournament off her own back.

Sharapova is back on the WTA Tour after a 15-month ban for doping and made the semi-finals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart in her first event last week, earning a ranking of 262 after collecting 185 points.

The 30-year-old, who won at SW19 in 2004, has two more tournaments before the deadline for outright Wimbledon qualification. Deep runs in Madrid and Rome should see her gain enough points to make the main draw.

Murray, a two-time champion at Wimbledon, thinks Sharapova will take care of her own business but would expect the All England Club to offer her a lifeline if she fails to make it.

“There might not even be a decision to be made because she might be in the main draw after Madrid or Rome,” Murray said.

“I think there’s a good chance Wimbledon would give her one to get into qualifiers. I’m not sure what they will do but I’m sure they are hoping they don’t have to make the decision.

“There’s a good chance that she can get in by right, which I’m sure is what she’s hoping for and that’s what Wimbledon would be hoping for.”

Murray has concerns closer to home to contend with as his first few months as the world No 1 have been far from ideal.

Early exits from the Australian Open and Indian Wells, coupled with injury and illness, have prevented the Scot kicking on from his stellar finish to last year.

He is battling his way back to fitness and form, with a run to the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open last week, but is now entering a period of the season where he has a huge amount of ranking points to defend.

The three-time Grand Slam winner is insistent that being at the summit of the rankings has not contributed to a difficult 2017.

“I haven’t felt different when I go on to the court, I didn’t feel different when I was preparing for the Australian Open as I did in previous years. I really don’t think it has been anything to do with that.

“Definitely at the end of last year there was a lot going on.

“But this year, and especially the last few months, I haven’t felt any different or any extra pressure when I go on the court.”

Picture: AP. Andy Murray has had a frustrating start to the year but does not believe that being world No 1 is a factor.