Maria Sharapova will return to professional tennis on the same day her doping ban expires after organisers of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart awarded her a wildcard into the main draw.
The former world No.1 hasn’t played a competitive match on the tour since last year’s Australian Open after serving a doping ban. Sharapova tested positive for meldonium in 2016, but argued that she was unaware that the drug was added to the list of prohibited substances. As a consequence the International Tennis Federation (ITF) slammed her with as 24-month suspension before it was reduced to 15 months after an appeal to the court of arbitration for sport.
Sharapova’s ban ends on Tuesday, April 25th, the same week as the Stuttgart Open takes place. In an unexpected move, the tournament has opted to grant the Russian a wildcard and have agreed to allow her to wait until the Wednesday to play her first match. In accordance to her ban, Sharapova is prohibited to enter the grounds of a WTA tournament until the 26th April.
She’s back! @MariaSharapova will return to professional #tennis at the 40th #PTGP in #Stuttgart on April 26 ✨🚗🎾 #GoForIt #40Love pic.twitter.com/p0iySI1KZ4
— Porsche Tennis (@PorscheTennis) 10 January 2017
The controversial exceptions granted to Sharapova are no surprise considering she is a three-time champion at the event (2012-2014). Furthermore, her partnership with Porsche (who also sponsors the Stuttgart tournament) is likely to have played a pivotal role in her wildcard.
“I could not be happier to have my first match back on tour at one of my favourite tournaments,” said Sharapova.
“I can’t wait to see all my great fans and to be back doing what I love.”
Tournament director Markus Günthardt also spoke of his delight about welcoming Sharapova back to the tour. Referring to her doping ban as a ‘a long break’, Mr Günthardt described the news as a ‘fabulous present’.
“I’m really happy for Maria 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,” he said.
“Her return in the Porsche Arena is a fabulous present for our fantastic spectators and is certain to be one of the sporting and emotional highlights of our anniversary tournament.”
ITF backs wildcard decision
Following the announcement of Sharapova’s wildcard, Ubitennis contracted the ITF for clarification regarding the decision of the Stuttgart officials. The governing body of world tennis stated that Sharapova is allowed to be given the wildcard during her ban. According to the rulebook, it doesn’t state that a player’s ban must have ended before the start of a tournament that they wish to compete in.
“Under the rules of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme, Sharapova is entitled to return to competition on April 26, the Wednesday of the Stuttgart tournament.” The ITF told Ubitennis.net.
“The wording of the rule does not require the tournament to start after a ban ends.”
The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will get underway on April 22nd. World No.1 Angelique Kerber has already confirmed her intention to play in the tournament.
