Sharapova to return after 15-month ban in Stuttgart

Berlin, Jan. 10: Maria Sharapova will make her return to competitive tennis following her 15-month ban at the WTA clay-court tournament in Stuttgart in April, it was announced on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old five-time Grand Slam winner tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open last year.

Her two-year ban, by the International Tennis Federation, was reduced to 15 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and she will play her first match in Stuttgart on April 26 — the day her ban expires.

In the past, Stuttgart has been a happy hunting ground for Sharapova, who has lost just once — to world number-one Angelique Kerber in 2015 — at the WTA tournament and won the title in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

“I could not be happier to have my first match back on tour at one of my favourite tournaments,” said Sharapova, a former world number one, in a press release.

“I can’t wait to see all my great fans and to be back doing what I love.”

Sharapova has been given a wildcard to appear in Stuttgart, which celebrates it’s 40th anniversary in 2017.

“I’m really happy for Maria Sharapova that she’s back after a long break. Particularly pleasing for me is that it’s going to be our audience that gets to watch her comeback live,” said tournament director Markus Guenthardt on Monday.

Kerber will be defending her title in Stuttgart with eight of the world’s top 10 tennis stars scheduled to play in this year’s tournament. — AFP