Sharapova granted entry to Rogers Cup

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova will continue her comeback from a 15-month doping ban at this summer’s Rogers Cup in Toronto.

Tournament officials say she has been awarded a main draw wild card for the August event.

Sharapova has used wild card entries to play three events on the WTA Tour.

In her first tournament in Stuttgart, Germany she won three matches to reach the semifinals before losing to Kristina Mladenovic.

Then, after defeating Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in her opening match in Madrid, Spain, she came up against Canadian Eugenie Bouchard, who said Sharapova was a “cheater” and should be banned for life. Bouchard won 7-5, 2-6, 6-4.

Other players, including Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber, have been outspoken about Sharapova receiving free passes into events.

Rogers Cup tournament director Karl Hale called her a “fan favourite,” pointing out she had done her time for the doping infraction.

“She has served her suspension and we know our guests will be excited to see her play,” he said in a statement.

The 30-year-old’s best result at the Rogers Cup came in 2009, when she advanced to the final.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Canada,” Sharapova said. “I have some great memories of playing Toronto in the past, and the tournament and the fans have always been so supportive.”

Last week, Sharapova was granted a wild card to play in the pre-Wimbledon tournament in Birmingham, U.K. The Aegon Classic begins June 19.

Sharapova has also said she will play in the Wimbledon qualifying tournament, which begins June 26.

The Russian will need to win three matches to enter the main draw.