HONG KONG - Former champion Maria Sharapova will celebrate the
end of her 15-month doping ban with a return to the Madrid Open,
officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The Russian, who won the title in 2014 from a set down against Simona
Halep, after losing to Serena Williams in the previous year's final, last
played the event in 2015 and reached the semis.
Sharapova served a ban for taking a suddenly declared illegal
medication which she had been on for a decade under doctor's orders.
"Sharapova requested an invitation to play in the tournament and
after considering it, we decide to give her a wild card," tournament
director Manolo Santana said.
"Maria is one of the best players of the last 15 years and also a
past winner of our tournament. In Madrid she always plays well and
I'm sure she will come back to the courts highly motivated and hoping
to do well in her first tournaments."
"Sharapova is one of those players that all tennis fans want to see.
Her presence in the Caja Magica is great news for the tournament, for
the fans and also for the city of Madrid," Madrid Open CEO and
President Gerard Tsobanian said.
The tournament takes place from May 7 to 14.