There was nothing but smiles and laughter from Maria Sharapova during her return to the tennis court at the World Team Tennis Smash Hits exhibition in Las Vegas.
Sharapova was joined in the star-studded event by other renowned players such as Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe as they raised money for the Elton John Aids Foundation and other aids charities.
In the team event, Sharapova’s first since the Australian Open, the Russian teamed up with 16-year-old Taylor Johnson in the mixed doubles. The pair lost their match to Navratilova and Liezel Huber.
“It was a big occasion for her (Johnson) and also for me,” Sharapova told ESPN.
“I haven’t been on a court for a while, for both of us, it was to have some fun and a bit of laughs.”
The former world No.1 also played in the mixed doubles with John McEnroe against Navratilova and Andy Roddick. Sharapova and McEnroe managed to win the encounter 5-3.
AMAZING match-point between Sharapova/McEnroe vs. Navratilova/Roddick. Take a look!
Match-point INCRÍVEL. Dá uma olhada! pic.twitter.com/8VDoXmUXHZ
— BreakPointBR (@BreakPointBR) 11 October 2016
Las Vegas was the first event that the 29-year-old has participated in since her failed drugs test at the Australian Open. Sharapova’s attendance comes a week after the Court of Arbitration for Sport slashed her suspension from 24 months to 15. She is eligible to return to the tour from April 26th 2017.
Throughout her suspension Sharapova has maintained her innocence and has accused the ITF of trying to make an example of her. She has also criticised the decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency to add Meldonium to the list of prohibited substances. Meldonium was the drug that Sharapova tested positive for.
“I would love to see some evidence on the performance enhancing effect that it has,” said Sharapova last week. “I have not seen any reports. WADA has failed to do their research.”
Due to her former world No.1 status, Sharapova will be eligible for an unlimited amount of wildcards when she returns to the tour.
Photos – Maria Sharapova at the TeamTennis Smash Hits Charity Event
