Sharapova’s Dutch invitation

MARIA SHARAPOVA has had her first invitation to play a grass- court tournament this summer — although it has not come from Wimbledon or any of the UK warm-up events.

The WTA Ricoh Open in Rosmalen, Holland, which immediately follows the French Open in June has said that it is holding a wildcard for her should she wish to participate.

Tournament director Marcel Hunze said he would be doing so ‘with pleasure’, based on his reading of the conclusion to the Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal judgement. The move could give the option for Sharapova to bypass the British grass court events prior to SW19 and it is possible another continental grass court event, in Mallorca, could follow Rosmalen’s lead.

Hunze suggested whether or not she takes up the offer will depend on what happens at the French Open, which has yet to decide whether to offer Sharapova a wildcard. Wimbledon and the Lawn Tennis Association — which runs tournaments such as Edgbaston and Eastbourne — are waiting to see what the French Open do before deciding.

NICK KYRGIOS has pulled out of his quarter-final against Roger Federer at Indian Wells due to sickness.

The 21-year- old Australian cited suspected food poisoning for his withdrawal after a disturbed night. He was seen raiding a spectator’s portion of chips following his victory over Novak Djokovic.