Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova's game is one of the most celebrated rivalries in the world of Tennis.&nbsp;

And once again, the two will lock horns in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday, in their first match since the 2016 Australian Open.

Williams has won their last 18 meetings, with Sharapova's only two victories coming in 2004.

Speaking on her rivalry, William's said she does not have any negative feelings towards Maria Sharapova and is surprised the Russian's recent autobiography was so much about her.

The 23 Grand Slam described the book as 100% hearsay and said women should encourage each other rather than detailing locker-room incidents in a less than positive light.

"I think the book was 100% hearsay, which was a little bit disappointing," she said. I have cried in the locker room many times after a loss, and that's what I have seen a lot of people do."

"I think it's normal. I think if anything, it shows the passion and the desire and, you know, the will that you have to want to go out there and do the best. I think what happens there should definitely maybe stay there and not necessarily talk about it in a not-so-positive way in a book.

"I don't have any negative feelings towards her, which again, was a little disappointing to see in that hearsay book. A lot of people always assume that I feel a different way and it's not true.

Williams and Sharapova have won five French Open singles titles between them, and both have played extremely well over the first three rounds at Roland Garros.

Williams' biggest concern may be a lack of matches. The French Open marks only her third competitive appearance since the 2017 Australian Open, which was her last tournament before becoming a mother in September.

Williams has won their last 18 meetings, with Sharapova's only two victories coming in 2004.

Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova's game is one of the most celebrated rivalries in the world of Tennis. And once again, the two will lock horns in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday, in their first match since the 2016 Australian Open. Williams has won their last 18 meetings, with Sharapova's only two victories coming in 2004. Speaking on her rivalry, William's said she does not have any negative feelings towards Maria Sharapova and is surprised the Russian's recent autobiography was so much about her. The 23 Grand Slam described the book as 100% hearsay and said women should encourage each other rather than detailing locker-room incidents in a less than positive light. "I think the book was 100% hearsay, which was a little bit disappointing," she said. I have cried in the locker room many times after a loss, and that's what I have seen a lot of people do." "I think it's normal. I think if anything, it shows the passion and the desire and, you know, the will that you have to want to go out there and do the best. I think what happens there should definitely maybe stay there and not necessarily talk about it in a not-so-positive way in a book. "I don't have any negative feelings towards her, which again, was a little disappointing to see in that hearsay book. A lot of people always assume that I feel a different way and it's not true. Williams and Sharapova have won five French Open singles titles between them, and both have played extremely well over the first three rounds at Roland Garros. Williams' biggest concern may be a lack of matches. The French Open marks only her third competitive appearance since the 2017 Australian Open, which was her last tournament before becoming a mother in September.

French Open: Serena Williams to play Maria Sharapova in 4th round today

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are:

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA)

Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome.

Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set.

Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20)

A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade.

Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris.

But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency.

Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games.&nbsp

Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED)

One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed.

Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris.

A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up.

Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015.

Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay.

Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2)

Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome.

Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March.

However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon.

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23)

Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match.

Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014.

Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

Here is a list of five matches to watch at the French Open

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are: Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA) Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome. Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set. Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20) A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade. Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris. But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency. Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games. Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED) One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed. Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris. A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up. Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015. Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay. Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome. Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March. However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23) Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match. Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014. Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

French Open: Five important matches to watch on Monday

Former world number one Maria Sharapova reached the Italian Open semi-finals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-5 on Friday.

The battle between the two French Open champions lasted for more than three hours.

Playing her fourth match in as many days, Sharapova needed three hours, 10 minutes to win a gruelling struggle.

Now, Sharapova will either play against current world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis.

Earlier, Seven-time champion <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-rafael-nadal-outplays-fabio-fognini-to-enter-semi-final-137976">Rafael Nadal</a> deflated local hopes at the Italian Open on Friday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-rafael-nadal-outplays-fabio-fognini-to-enter-semi-final-137976">beating the last home player, Fabio Fognini</a> 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Nadal needs to win the Rome title on Sunday to displace Roger Federer as world number one.

The 31-year-old Spaniard recovered from losing a lengthy first set before breezing through the quarter-final tie for the loss of just three more games.

Sharapova will either play against current world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis

Former world number one Maria Sharapova reached the Italian Open semi-finals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-5 on Friday. The battle between the two French Open champions lasted for more than three hours. Playing her fourth match in as many days, Sharapova needed three hours, 10 minutes to win a gruelling struggle. Now, Sharapova will either play against current world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis. Earlier, Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal deflated local hopes at the Italian Open on Friday, beating the last home player, Fabio Fognini 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Nadal needs to win the Rome title on Sunday to displace Roger Federer as world number one. The 31-year-old Spaniard recovered from losing a lengthy first set before breezing through the quarter-final tie for the loss of just three more games.

Italian Open: Maria Sharapova enters semi-finals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko

Rafael Nadal broke John McEnroe's 34-year record on Thursday by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay at the Madrid Open.

But while the world number one cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Diego Schwartzman, Juan Martin del Potro, Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep all crashed out.

Nadal's straight-sets victory means he establishes a new Open era best for consecutive sets won on a single surface, passing McEnroe's 49 on carpet in 1984.

McEnroe also won the Madrid Open Indoor title that year and Nadal may be about to follow suit in the Spanish capital, with Austrian Dominic Thiem up next in the quarter-finals on Friday.

His unbeaten run is also perhaps a reflection of a lack of rivals, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, for different reasons, all posing little threat on clay over the past year.

"When my career is over, these are things that are going to be there forever," Nadal said.&nbsp

"They are big records. It's difficult to be able to win 50 sets in a row. But I've done it. It's over.&nbsp

"Let's not talk about that any more and let's focus on what we have ahead."

Del Potro, however, will not join him in the last eight. The Argentinian led 4-0 in a third-set tie-break but still lost 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) to Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic. &nbsp

Lajovic will now face South Africa's Kevin Anderson, who overcame Philipp Kohlschreiber.

"I think I can improve a lot of things towards Rome and Roland Garros," Del Potro said. "I can level up my game. Right now I'm quite calm."

Pliskova triumphant

Sharapova also lost in three sets to Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands while Halep, the champion in 2016 and 2017, was blown away by Karolina Pliskova.

It means Pliskova, the sixth seed, is the highest-ranked player left in the women's draw after Caroline Wozniacki, Garbine Muguruza, Elina Svitolina and Jelena Ostapenko all lost earlier in the week.

Pliskova's 6-4, 6-3 win sets up a semi-final showdown with two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who saw off Russia's Daria Kasatkina.

"Even in the warm-up I felt so good today," Pliskova said.

"I think I played one of my best matches this year for sure, and for sure on clay in my life."

Halep said: "Today she didn't miss. I didn't play badly in my opinion.&nbsp

"I missed in some important moments, that's why it went her way but I'm not very disappointed about this match. She deserved to win."

Sharapova is set to climb inside the top 40 next week and the 31-year-old will be encouraged by her week's work, where she showed signs she is finding her rhythm.&nbsp

The Russian arrived on the back of four consecutive defeats but three victories and a narrow 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 loss to Bertens suggests she could be a threat at the French Open later this month.&nbsp

"It was great to get those wins against those players," said Sharapova, the 2014 champion in Madrid.&nbsp

"But there's a reason I came up short today. You also want to evaluate that and go back to the drawing board and start over again."

Bertens, meanwhile, will now face France's Caroline Garcia, who eased past Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-3.

Novak Djokovic's conqueror, Kyle Edmund, maintained his strong run with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 win over eighth seed David Goffin.

Edmund will face Denis Shapovalov, who came through his all-Canadian clash with Milos Raonic, 6-4, 6-4.

Second seed Alexander Zverev beat Argentina's Leonardo Mayer and will now take on John Isner, who beat Pablo Cuevas.

&nbsp

Rafael Nadal broke John McEnroe's 34-year record on Thursday by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay at the Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal broke John McEnroe's 34-year record on Thursday by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay at the Madrid Open. But while the world number one cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Diego Schwartzman, Juan Martin del Potro, Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep all crashed out. Nadal's straight-sets victory means he establishes a new Open era best for consecutive sets won on a single surface, passing McEnroe's 49 on carpet in 1984. McEnroe also won the Madrid Open Indoor title that year and Nadal may be about to follow suit in the Spanish capital, with Austrian Dominic Thiem up next in the quarter-finals on Friday. His unbeaten run is also perhaps a reflection of a lack of rivals, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, for different reasons, all posing little threat on clay over the past year. "When my career is over, these are things that are going to be there forever," Nadal said. "They are big records. It's difficult to be able to win 50 sets in a row. But I've done it. It's over. "Let's not talk about that any more and let's focus on what we have ahead." Del Potro, however, will not join him in the last eight. The Argentinian led 4-0 in a third-set tie-break but still lost 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) to Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic. Lajovic will now face South Africa's Kevin Anderson, who overcame Philipp Kohlschreiber. "I think I can improve a lot of things towards Rome and Roland Garros," Del Potro said. "I can level up my game. Right now I'm quite calm." Pliskova triumphant Sharapova also lost in three sets to Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands while Halep, the champion in 2016 and 2017, was blown away by Karolina Pliskova. It means Pliskova, the sixth seed, is the highest-ranked player left in the women's draw after Caroline Wozniacki, Garbine Muguruza, Elina Svitolina and Jelena Ostapenko all lost earlier in the week. Pliskova's 6-4, 6-3 win sets up a semi-final showdown with two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who saw off Russia's Daria Kasatkina. "Even in the warm-up I felt so good today," Pliskova said. "I think I played one of my best matches this year for sure, and for sure on clay in my life." Halep said: "Today she didn't miss. I didn't play badly in my opinion. "I missed in some important moments, that's why it went her way but I'm not very disappointed about this match. She deserved to win." Sharapova is set to climb inside the top 40 next week and the 31-year-old will be encouraged by her week's work, where she showed signs she is finding her rhythm. The Russian arrived on the back of four consecutive defeats but three victories and a narrow 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 loss to Bertens suggests she could be a threat at the French Open later this month. "It was great to get those wins against those players," said Sharapova, the 2014 champion in Madrid. "But there's a reason I came up short today. You also want to evaluate that and go back to the drawing board and start over again." Bertens, meanwhile, will now face France's Caroline Garcia, who eased past Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-3. Novak Djokovic's conqueror, Kyle Edmund, maintained his strong run with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 win over eighth seed David Goffin. Edmund will face Denis Shapovalov, who came through his all-Canadian clash with Milos Raonic, 6-4, 6-4. Second seed Alexander Zverev beat Argentina's Leonardo Mayer and will now take on John Isner, who beat Pablo Cuevas.

Rafael Nadal breaks McEnroe record in Madrid but Del Potro, Sharapova, Halep crash out

A Russian Olympic curler has been implicated in a doping case in a potential setback as the country battles to recover from a major scandal which triggered its ban from the Pyeongchang Winter Games.

A fresh doping case would be deeply embarrassing for Russia, which has 168 athletes deemed clean competing in Pyeongchang as neutral Olympic Athletes from Russia.

A source close to the matter said the case involved meldonium. Now, here are some facts about this drug.

What is meldonium 
Meldonium is used to treat ischaemia: A lack of blood flow to parts of the body, particularly in cases of angina, chronic heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other cardiovascular disorders.The drug also helps to adjust the body&#39;s use of energy and can boost stamina and endurance. It increases blood flow, which improves exercise capacity in athletes and increased blood flow means more oxygen to muscle tissue.

Why it was banned 
It is categorised as an S4 substance under the Wada code, which addresses hormone and metabolic modulators. The drug was banned when a study revealed that 17 per cent of Russian athletes tested were found to have meldonium in their system.

When it was&nbsp;banned 
WADA placed the drug on its watch list in 2015 but the decision to add meldonium to the banned list was approved on 16 September 2015, and it came into effect on 1 January 2016.

Why is the drug under the spotlight 
Meldonium has been in the spotlight since Russian tennis player and former world number one Maria Sharapova tested positive for the drug in January 2016 and was later banned for 15 months. Sharapova said she was unaware that the drug had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency&#39;s (WADA) banned substances list.

This drug is available in which countries 
Meldonium is cheap and available over the counter in Russia and some eastern European countries, where it is marketed as Mildronate by the Latvian pharmaceutical firm Grindeks. It is not licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

&nbsp;

Meldonium was developed to treat patients with heart conditions such as angina, chronic heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other cardiovascular disorders

A Russian Olympic curler has been implicated in a doping case in a potential setback as the country battles to recover from a major scandal which triggered its ban from the Pyeongchang Winter Games. A fresh doping case would be deeply embarrassing for Russia, which has 168 athletes deemed clean competing in Pyeongchang as neutral Olympic Athletes from Russia. A source close to the matter said the case involved meldonium. Now, here are some facts about this drug. What is meldonium Meldonium is used to treat ischaemia: A lack of blood flow to parts of the body, particularly in cases of angina, chronic heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other cardiovascular disorders.The drug also helps to adjust the body's use of energy and can boost stamina and endurance. It increases blood flow, which improves exercise capacity in athletes and increased blood flow means more oxygen to muscle tissue. Why it was banned It is categorised as an S4 substance under the Wada code, which addresses hormone and metabolic modulators. The drug was banned when a study revealed that 17 per cent of Russian athletes tested were found to have meldonium in their system. When it was banned WADA placed the drug on its watch list in 2015 but the decision to add meldonium to the banned list was approved on 16 September 2015, and it came into effect on 1 January 2016. Why is the drug under the spotlight Meldonium has been in the spotlight since Russian tennis player and former world number one Maria Sharapova tested positive for the drug in January 2016 and was later banned for 15 months. Sharapova said she was unaware that the drug had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) banned substances list. This drug is available in which countries Meldonium is cheap and available over the counter in Russia and some eastern European countries, where it is marketed as Mildronate by the Latvian pharmaceutical firm Grindeks. It is not licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

What is meldonium and why was it banned

Angelique Kerber d&nbsp;Maria Sharapova,&nbsp;6-1, 6-3

Angelique Kerber defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets to enter the round of 16.

It was a battle of former champions at the Australian Open.

Angie looked in a hurry and had taken the first set 6-1 in just 30 minutes.

&quot;I was just trying to enjoy every point,&quot; said Kerber after snuffing out Sharapova&#39;s hopes in only her second Grand Slam tournament back since serving a 15-month doping ban.

&ldquo;I have so many great memories from this court (Rod Laver Arena) &hellip; This court is so special for me and with you guys, it&rsquo;s even more special,&rdquo; Angie said after the match.

&quot;I knew before the match it would be a tough one.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;Everybody who knows me knows that I never give up,&quot; she added.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-tomas-berdych-rallies-past-del-potro-to-reach-last-16-30151" target="_blank">Australian Open: Tomas Berdych rallies past Del Potro to reach last 16</a>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
&quot;Everybody who knows me know that I never give up.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AngeliqueKerber</a> is BACK! 
 
She will play the winner of Su-Wei <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hsieh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hsieh</a> and Agnieszka <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Radwanska?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Radwanska</a> in the 4R.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ss6AnvKZh0">pic.twitter.com/Ss6AnvKZh0</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954653112299499520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 2016 winner from Germany and 21st seed roared past the Russian 2008 champion 6-1, 6-3 in 64 minutes on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday making 12 wins in a row in 2018.

With this&nbsp;victory, the 2016 champion sends a message to the rest of the tournament.

Kerber will face either 26th seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or Taiwan&#39;s Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the quarter-finals.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AngeliqueKerber</a> must have a dinner reservation... ⌚️ 
 
Takes the first set 6-1 in under 30 minutes.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/LfklLIJnXb">pic.twitter.com/LfklLIJnXb</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954642565499731968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kerber will face either 26th seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the quarter-finals

Angelique Kerber d Maria Sharapova, 6-1, 6-3 Angelique Kerber defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets to enter the round of 16. It was a battle of former champions at the Australian Open. Angie looked in a hurry and had taken the first set 6-1 in just 30 minutes. "I was just trying to enjoy every point," said Kerber after snuffing out Sharapova's hopes in only her second Grand Slam tournament back since serving a 15-month doping ban. “I have so many great memories from this court (Rod Laver Arena) … This court is so special for me and with you guys, it’s even more special,” Angie said after the match. "I knew before the match it would be a tough one." "Everybody who knows me knows that I never give up," she added. Australian Open: Tomas Berdych rallies past Del Potro to reach last 16 "Everybody who knows me know that I never give up." @AngeliqueKerber is BACK! She will play the winner of Su-Wei #Hsieh and Agnieszka #Radwanska in the 4R.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Ss6AnvKZh0 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × The 2016 winner from Germany and 21st seed roared past the Russian 2008 champion 6-1, 6-3 in 64 minutes on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday making 12 wins in a row in 2018. With this victory, the 2016 champion sends a message to the rest of the tournament. Kerber will face either 26th seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the quarter-finals. .@AngeliqueKerber must have a dinner reservation... ⌚️ Takes the first set 6-1 in under 30 minutes.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LfklLIJnXb — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 ×

Australian Open: Angelique Kerber outplays Maria Sharapova to reach R16

Maria Sharapova defeated&nbsp;Germany&#39;s Tatjana Maria 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and 18 minutes on Tuesday.

She will either face&nbsp;14th seed Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia or American Varvara Lepchenko.

&quot;Look, I&#39;ve got shivers,&quot; said Sharapova pointing to her arm when asked on the court how much being back in Melbourne meant to her.

&quot;I cherish these moments. I love it here,&quot; she added.

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&quot;It was really meaningful to be out here today.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/MariaSharapova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MariaSharapova</a> happy to be back in Melbourne.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/oQkEUUr2cl">pic.twitter.com/oQkEUUr2cl</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953106654400102405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;It&#39;s been a couple of years and I wanted it to be really meaningful to me. But we know it&#39;s only going to get tougher.&quot;

The Russian star&nbsp;has won 36 singles titles and&nbsp;marked her presence in the first round of Australian Open after&nbsp;returning from a 15-month doping ban.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-rafa-through-to-second-round-29592" target="_blank">Australian Open: Rafa through to second round</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-belinda-bencic-on-first-round-win-over-venus-williams-29570" target="_blank">Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams</a>

&nbsp;

Sharapova defeated Tatjana Maria 6-1, 6-4 of Germany and likely to meet Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia or American Varvara Lepchenko in the second round

Maria Sharapova defeated Germany's Tatjana Maria 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and 18 minutes on Tuesday. She will either face 14th seed Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia or American Varvara Lepchenko. "Look, I've got shivers," said Sharapova pointing to her arm when asked on the court how much being back in Melbourne meant to her. "I cherish these moments. I love it here," she added. "It was really meaningful to be out here today."@MariaSharapova happy to be back in Melbourne.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/oQkEUUr2cl — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × "It's been a couple of years and I wanted it to be really meaningful to me. But we know it's only going to get tougher." The Russian star has won 36 singles titles and marked her presence in the first round of Australian Open after returning from a 15-month doping ban. Australian Open: Rafa through to second round Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams

Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria

Former world number one Maria Sharapova was dumped out in the semi-finals of the Shenzhen Open, losing in three sets to holder Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic on Friday.

The Russian will return to the top 50 next week with the Australian Open looming at the end of the month, but she failed to reach her second final since returning last April after a drugs ban.

Siniakova, the sixth seed, beat the 30-year-old 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and will face world number one Simona Halep in the final.

Halep cruised into the decider in southern China with a comfortable 6-1, 6-4 victory over fellow Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu.

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Katerina Siniakova sets <a href="https://twitter.com/ShenzhenOpenWTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShenzhenOpenWTA</a> Final against <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a>! 
 
Sees off Sharapova 6-2, 3-6, 6-3! <a href="https://t.co/FGKFz9BVt1">pic.twitter.com/FGKFz9BVt1</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/949220769476755458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Maria Sharapova had marched into the semi-finals of the Shenzhen Open by defeating&nbsp;Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan in straight sets 6-3, 6-3.

Sharapova was banned for 15 months for taking the performance-enhancing substance meldonium, and has been working her way up the rankings since returning to action,&nbsp;winning the Tianjin Open in October.

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Katerina Siniakova defeated Maria Sharapova, will play against Simona Halep in finals.

Former world number one Maria Sharapova was dumped out in the semi-finals of the Shenzhen Open, losing in three sets to holder Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic on Friday. The Russian will return to the top 50 next week with the Australian Open looming at the end of the month, but she failed to reach her second final since returning last April after a drugs ban. Siniakova, the sixth seed, beat the 30-year-old 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and will face world number one Simona Halep in the final. Halep cruised into the decider in southern China with a comfortable 6-1, 6-4 victory over fellow Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu. Katerina Siniakova sets @ShenzhenOpenWTA Final against @Simona_Halep! Sees off Sharapova 6-2, 3-6, 6-3! pic.twitter.com/FGKFz9BVt1 — WTA (@WTA) January 5, 2018 × Maria Sharapova had marched into the semi-finals of the Shenzhen Open by defeating Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. Sharapova was banned for 15 months for taking the performance-enhancing substance meldonium, and has been working her way up the rankings since returning to action, winning the Tianjin Open in October.

Tennis: Katerina Siniakova sees off Maria Sharapova from Shenzhen Open

Tennis star Maria Sharapova has been charged with cheating and criminal conspiracy by Delhi Police on a&nbsp;plea by people who invested in&nbsp;a&nbsp;housing project which she endorsed. Sharapova had&nbsp;endorsed the luxury housing project during her India trip in 2012, but it collapsed and the builders issued no refund.

Homestead infrastructure development, the firm&nbsp;behind the housing project,&nbsp;had allegedly taken crores of rupees from homebuyers before the project collapsed.

The lawyer representing one of the buyers, Piyush Singh, said that police had filed initial charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy against Sharapova as part of a wider case against the firm homestead infrastructure development.

Singh also explained the reason for booking Sharapova under the same charges is that any celebrity who endorses any product technically becomes an agent for the company.

&quot;Any celebrity who endorses any product technically becomes an agent for that company. No one would have invested in the project if Sharapova&#39;s name was not there,&quot; said Singh.

The project in Gurugram was supposed to be ready in 2016 but, Singh said, construction work was abandoned after builders collected the money from homebuyers.

Sharapova came to India in 2012 to launch the luxury high-rise apartment complex name Ballet by Sharapova, but the project never took off.

The buyers were told that the infrastructure would have a tennis academy, a clubhouse, and helipad.

The website of the project has quoted Sharapova as saying &quot;My goal is to make the owners feel like they own something special and different from everything else available to them. And this perspective is the same as I would have when looking for a home myself&quot;&nbsp;

According to Forbes, the Sharapova made almost $30 million in 2015, with $23 million of the coming from endorsements like the projects in Gurgaon.&nbsp;

 
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The tennis star Maria Sharapova has been charged with cheating and criminal conspiracy by Delhi police after Sharapova endorsed a luxury housing project during her India trip in 2012

Tennis star Maria Sharapova has been charged with cheating and criminal conspiracy by Delhi Police on a plea by people who invested in a housing project which she endorsed. Sharapova had endorsed the luxury housing project during her India trip in 2012, but it collapsed and the builders issued no refund. Homestead infrastructure development, the firm behind the housing project, had allegedly taken crores of rupees from homebuyers before the project collapsed. The lawyer representing one of the buyers, Piyush Singh, said that police had filed initial charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy against Sharapova as part of a wider case against the firm homestead infrastructure development. Singh also explained the reason for booking Sharapova under the same charges is that any celebrity who endorses any product technically becomes an agent for the company. "Any celebrity who endorses any product technically becomes an agent for that company. No one would have invested in the project if Sharapova's name was not there," said Singh. The project in Gurugram was supposed to be ready in 2016 but, Singh said, construction work was abandoned after builders collected the money from homebuyers. Sharapova came to India in 2012 to launch the luxury high-rise apartment complex name Ballet by Sharapova, but the project never took off. The buyers were told that the infrastructure would have a tennis academy, a clubhouse, and helipad. The website of the project has quoted Sharapova as saying "My goal is to make the owners feel like they own something special and different from everything else available to them. And this perspective is the same as I would have when looking for a home myself" According to Forbes, the Sharapova made almost $30 million in 2015, with $23 million of the coming from endorsements like the projects in Gurgaon.

Maria Sharapova charged with cheating and criminal conspiracy by Delhi Police

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight by the 102nd-ranked teenager Aryna Sabalenka at the Tianjin Open on Sunday before winning her first title since her 15-month doping ban.

The former world number one, who returned to action in April, came from behind in both sets and needed four championship points in the tie-breaker before beating the 19-year-old 7-5, 7-6 (10/8).

Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open.

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<h5>Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open</h5>
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Sharapova, 30, was contesting the seventh tournament of what has been an injury-plagued and controversial comeback since testing positive for the banned substance meldonium in early 2016.

She exchanged 11 breaks of serve with the Belarusian, who has yet to win a WTA trophy, before finally clinching it in the tie-breaker when the teenager put a forehand return long.

In a tight final of high-decibel shrieking, Sabalenka was broken in the opening game but any expectations that she would roll over quickly dissolved when she won four games in a row to go 4-1 up.

Sharapova&#39;s coach Sven Groeneveld urged her to use the body serve, and momentum immediately shifted as she held the next game and then edged a nine-minute game seven to wrestle it back on serve.

Sabalenka angrily slammed her racquet down as she double-faulted to be broken for a third time and with Sharapova serving at 6-5, the Belarusian overcooked a forehand to hand over the set.

The second set followed a similar pattern and Sabalenka was 5-1 up before Sharapova reeled her in, breaking three times -- and saving a set point along the way -- before serving for the match at 6-5.

But a double fault from the Russian took it to a closely contested tie-break, where Sharapova held championship points four times before finally sealing it after two hours and five minutes.

Sharapova, whose ranking has dropped to 86, has been playing on wildcards this season. Her return has proved divisive, with some rivals insisting she shouldn&#39;t be back on tour at all.

She now heads to next week&#39;s Kremlin Cup in Moscow for the first time since 2007, after also being given a wildcard to play in what is her home tournament.

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight at the Tianjin Open by the 102nd-ranked Belarusian teenager Aryna Sabalenka

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight by the 102nd-ranked teenager Aryna Sabalenka at the Tianjin Open on Sunday before winning her first title since her 15-month doping ban. The former world number one, who returned to action in April, came from behind in both sets and needed four championship points in the tie-breaker before beating the 19-year-old 7-5, 7-6 (10/8). Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open. Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open × Sharapova, 30, was contesting the seventh tournament of what has been an injury-plagued and controversial comeback since testing positive for the banned substance meldonium in early 2016. She exchanged 11 breaks of serve with the Belarusian, who has yet to win a WTA trophy, before finally clinching it in the tie-breaker when the teenager put a forehand return long. In a tight final of high-decibel shrieking, Sabalenka was broken in the opening game but any expectations that she would roll over quickly dissolved when she won four games in a row to go 4-1 up. Sharapova's coach Sven Groeneveld urged her to use the body serve, and momentum immediately shifted as she held the next game and then edged a nine-minute game seven to wrestle it back on serve. Sabalenka angrily slammed her racquet down as she double-faulted to be broken for a third time and with Sharapova serving at 6-5, the Belarusian overcooked a forehand to hand over the set. The second set followed a similar pattern and Sabalenka was 5-1 up before Sharapova reeled her in, breaking three times -- and saving a set point along the way -- before serving for the match at 6-5. But a double fault from the Russian took it to a closely contested tie-break, where Sharapova held championship points four times before finally sealing it after two hours and five minutes. Sharapova, whose ranking has dropped to 86, has been playing on wildcards this season. Her return has proved divisive, with some rivals insisting she shouldn't be back on tour at all. She now heads to next week's Kremlin Cup in Moscow for the first time since 2007, after also being given a wildcard to play in what is her home tournament.

Sharapova wins first title since return from doping ban, has to fight for it

American Sloane Stephens <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-venus-beats-kvitova-enters-semis-19918">beat two-time champion Venus Williams </a>in a tough three-set encounter to reach the US Open women&#39;s finals at the USTA Billie Jean King national tennis center in New York.

Sloane, ranked 83 in the world, overcame<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-the-us-open-438"> the former US Open champion Venus Williams</a> 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 to ensure a berth in Saturday&#39;s final.

In the other semi-final on Friday, Madison Keys beat&nbsp;fellow American CoCo Vandeweghe 6-1, 6-2 to ensure an all-American final.

American Sloane Stephens beat Venus Williams in a tough three-set encounter

American Sloane Stephens beat two-time champion Venus Williams in a tough three-set encounter to reach the US Open women's finals at the USTA Billie Jean King national tennis center in New York. Sloane, ranked 83 in the world, overcame the former US Open champion Venus Williams 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 to ensure a berth in Saturday's final. In the other semi-final on Friday, Madison Keys beat fellow American CoCo Vandeweghe 6-1, 6-2 to ensure an all-American final.

US Open: Sloane Stephens overcomes Venus, to clash against Keys in final

Former world No-1 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sharapova-wins-first-match-after-return-from-doping-ban-14971">Maria Sharapova has been given a wildcard</a> to play the US Open, the&nbsp;US Tennis Association announced today.

Russian Sharapova hasn&#39;t played<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/i-will-play-wimbledon-qualifier-wont-request-for-wildcard-maria-sharapova-15798"> in a single Grand Slam event since serving her 15-month doping ban </a>after testing positive for meldonium in last year&#39;s Australian Open.

&quot;Her suspension under the terms of the tennis anti-doping program was completed and therefore was not one of the factors weighed in our wildcard selection process,&quot; the USTA said in a statement.

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Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen">@usopen</a>. This is so so special. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goosebumps?src=hash">#goosebumps</a> <a href="https://t.co/MnolaaqKsN">https://t.co/MnolaaqKsN</a>
&mdash; Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaSharapova/status/897516489963646976">August 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Consistent with past practice, a wildcard was provided to a past US champion who needed the wildcard for entry into the main draw. Previous US Open champions who have received US Open main draw wild cards include Martina Hingis, Lleyton Hewitt, Kim Clijsters and Juan Martin del Potro,&quot; the statement added.

Sharapova, a former US Open champion wasn&#39;t allowed to play the French Open after authorities disallowed her a wildcard due to the doping cloud,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/i-will-play-wimbledon-qualifier-wont-request-for-wildcard-maria-sharapova-15798"> the five-time Grand Slam champion later pulled out of Wimbledon due to a thing injury</a>.

 
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Sharapova, a former US Open champion wasn't allowed to play the French Open after authorities disallowed her a wildcard due to the doping cloud

Former world No-1 Maria Sharapova has been given a wildcard to play the US Open, the US Tennis Association announced today. Russian Sharapova hasn't played in a single Grand Slam event since serving her 15-month doping ban after testing positive for meldonium in last year's Australian Open. "Her suspension under the terms of the tennis anti-doping program was completed and therefore was not one of the factors weighed in our wildcard selection process," the USTA said in a statement. Thank you, @usopen. This is so so special. #goosebumps https://t.co/MnolaaqKsN — Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) August 15, 2017 × "Consistent with past practice, a wildcard was provided to a past US champion who needed the wildcard for entry into the main draw. Previous US Open champions who have received US Open main draw wild cards include Martina Hingis, Lleyton Hewitt, Kim Clijsters and Juan Martin del Potro," the statement added. Sharapova, a former US Open champion wasn't allowed to play the French Open after authorities disallowed her a wildcard due to the doping cloud, the five-time Grand Slam champion later pulled out of Wimbledon due to a thing injury.

Sharapova receives US Open wildcard

Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova said she will not request a wildcard into this year&#39;s championships after failing to gain a high enough ranking for direct entry to the main draw.

The 30-year-old Russian, who returned last month from a 15-month doping ban, said on her website she would play in the qualifying event staged the week before.

&quot;Because of my improved ranking after the first three tournaments of my return, I will also be playing the qualifying of Wimbledon in Roehampton, and will not be requesting a wildcard into the main draw,&quot; Sharapova said on her website.

Set to enter the top 200 on Monday, however, she is eligible to play in the qualifying event the week before in Roehampton, where she would need to survive three rounds just to take her place in round one at the All England Club.

Sharapova could have secured a place in the Wimbledon main draw by right had she reached the semi-finals at the Italian Open in Rome, but she withdrew injured during a second round match against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni.

&quot;I have already started getting treatment on the injury I sustained a few days ago in Rome, and will begin my preparation as soon I get better,&quot; the five-times grand slam champion said.

Her decision takes the heat off the Wimbledon wildcard committee which meets on June 20 and could technically still offer her automatic entry into the main draw.

However, in light of the decision of French Tennis Federation (FFT) on Tuesday to snub Sharapova for a French Open wildcard, they would have been under pressure to follow suit.

Sharapova was initially banned for two years after testing positive for then newly-banned heart condition drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the sanction to 15 months, saying she was not an &quot;intentional doper&quot;.

The US-based player called her punishment &quot;unfairly harsh&quot; saying she had not realised meldonium, a product she had used legally for much of her career, had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list.

Her comeback has been aided by wildcards in Stuttgart, where she reached the semi-finals, Madrid and Rome.

Several players have voiced their disapproval at Sharapova&#39;s return, most noticeably Canada&#39;s Eugenie Bouchard who said Sharapova should have been banned for life, calling her a &quot;cheater&quot;. Bouchard beat Sharapova in Madrid.

Sharapova will have to break new ground if she is to win Wimbledon this year as no qualifier has won the women&#39;s singles title.

American Alexandra Stevenson came closest when she reached the semi-final in 1999 before losing to Lindsay Davenport.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Sharapova had returned last month from a 15-month doping ban

Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova said she will not request a wildcard into this year's championships after failing to gain a high enough ranking for direct entry to the main draw. The 30-year-old Russian, who returned last month from a 15-month doping ban, said on her website she would play in the qualifying event staged the week before. "Because of my improved ranking after the first three tournaments of my return, I will also be playing the qualifying of Wimbledon in Roehampton, and will not be requesting a wildcard into the main draw," Sharapova said on her website. Set to enter the top 200 on Monday, however, she is eligible to play in the qualifying event the week before in Roehampton, where she would need to survive three rounds just to take her place in round one at the All England Club. Sharapova could have secured a place in the Wimbledon main draw by right had she reached the semi-finals at the Italian Open in Rome, but she withdrew injured during a second round match against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni. "I have already started getting treatment on the injury I sustained a few days ago in Rome, and will begin my preparation as soon I get better," the five-times grand slam champion said. Her decision takes the heat off the Wimbledon wildcard committee which meets on June 20 and could technically still offer her automatic entry into the main draw. However, in light of the decision of French Tennis Federation (FFT) on Tuesday to snub Sharapova for a French Open wildcard, they would have been under pressure to follow suit. Sharapova was initially banned for two years after testing positive for then newly-banned heart condition drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the sanction to 15 months, saying she was not an "intentional doper". The US-based player called her punishment "unfairly harsh" saying she had not realised meldonium, a product she had used legally for much of her career, had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list. Her comeback has been aided by wildcards in Stuttgart, where she reached the semi-finals, Madrid and Rome. Several players have voiced their disapproval at Sharapova's return, most noticeably Canada's Eugenie Bouchard who said Sharapova should have been banned for life, calling her a "cheater". Bouchard beat Sharapova in Madrid. Sharapova will have to break new ground if she is to win Wimbledon this year as no qualifier has won the women's singles title. American Alexandra Stevenson came closest when she reached the semi-final in 1999 before losing to Lindsay Davenport. (Reuters)

I will play Wimbledon qualifier, won't request for wildcard: Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova lost in the semi-finals in Stuttgart on Saturday, her controversial comeback from a 15-month doping ban ending in defeat to one of her biggest critics.

Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one, lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to Kristina Mladenovic as the Russian exited her first tournament back from a ban after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.

&quot;I&rsquo;m not angry, I&rsquo;d have loved to have used the opportunity when I was ahead in the second set, so I had a bit of a let down which allowed her to get back in the match, gain confidence and play well,&quot; said Sharapova.

Mladenovic has been a vocal critic of Sharapova&#39;s return to tennis and on the eve of their semi accused her of getting &quot;extra help&quot;, having been handed wild cards to play at the Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome tournaments.

Having started her comeback with a world ranking of zero on Wednesday, due to her ban, reaching the semi-final means Sharapova has already moved up to 260th in the world.

Sharapova refused to blame a lack of fitness for her defeat, but says she needs match practise after her enforced break.

&quot;If at the start of the week I&rsquo;d said I&rsquo;d be in this position, I&rsquo;d be pretty happy with that,&quot; she said.

&quot;The way I played, I was really happy with that. You are never sure what level you are going to come onto the court with, but I feel this is a great base with which I started here.&quot;

Sharapova will learn on May 16 whether she will be given a wild card for the main draw at Roland Garros and Mladenovic was complimentary of the Russian after her semi-final victory.

&quot;She&#39;s a tough player and was very aggressive from the first ball,&quot; said Mladenovic after their titanic duel over two hours, 38 minutes.

&quot;I was struggling early on, but just stuck in there and fought, so I am very happy that it paid off.&quot;

Sharapova made light work of Mladenovic in the first set, which lasted just 35 minutes.&nbsp;

But Mladenovic, ranked 19th in the world, rallied superbly at 2-0 down in the second, holding her serve and breaking Sharapova in what turned into a battle of nerves.

Mladenovic showed the first signs of cracking when what should have been a simple return spiralled harmlessly off her racquet as she served with the advantage at 5-5.

But she held her composure and went 6-5 ahead, having defended three break points, as her superbly weighted drop shot wrong-footed Sharapova.

The French player then took the second set, which lasted 64 minutes, breaking Sharapova by converting her first set point.

The deciding set followed serve until 3-3, but Sharapova had to hold her nerve, defending a break point at 40-30 down in the fourth game with a ferociously hit ace and a fist pump.

Mladenovic seized the advantage by converting her fourth break point and then came from 40-0 down in the seventh game to take a commanding 5-2 lead.

Sharapova rallied to pull it back to 5-4, but Mladenovic was not to be denied her first win over the Russian and converted her first match point.

Mladenovic will now face either fourth seed Simona Halep of Romania or Germany&#39;s Laura Siegemund, a wild card, in Sunday&#39;s final. 
 
(AFP)

 
&nbsp;

The five-time Grand Slam winner lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to Kristina Mladenovic

Maria Sharapova lost in the semi-finals in Stuttgart on Saturday, her controversial comeback from a 15-month doping ban ending in defeat to one of her biggest critics. Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one, lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to Kristina Mladenovic as the Russian exited her first tournament back from a ban after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. "I’m not angry, I’d have loved to have used the opportunity when I was ahead in the second set, so I had a bit of a let down which allowed her to get back in the match, gain confidence and play well," said Sharapova. Mladenovic has been a vocal critic of Sharapova's return to tennis and on the eve of their semi accused her of getting "extra help", having been handed wild cards to play at the Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome tournaments. Having started her comeback with a world ranking of zero on Wednesday, due to her ban, reaching the semi-final means Sharapova has already moved up to 260th in the world. Sharapova refused to blame a lack of fitness for her defeat, but says she needs match practise after her enforced break. "If at the start of the week I’d said I’d be in this position, I’d be pretty happy with that," she said. "The way I played, I was really happy with that. You are never sure what level you are going to come onto the court with, but I feel this is a great base with which I started here." Sharapova will learn on May 16 whether she will be given a wild card for the main draw at Roland Garros and Mladenovic was complimentary of the Russian after her semi-final victory. "She's a tough player and was very aggressive from the first ball," said Mladenovic after their titanic duel over two hours, 38 minutes. "I was struggling early on, but just stuck in there and fought, so I am very happy that it paid off." Sharapova made light work of Mladenovic in the first set, which lasted just 35 minutes. But Mladenovic, ranked 19th in the world, rallied superbly at 2-0 down in the second, holding her serve and breaking Sharapova in what turned into a battle of nerves. Mladenovic showed the first signs of cracking when what should have been a simple return spiralled harmlessly off her racquet as she served with the advantage at 5-5. But she held her composure and went 6-5 ahead, having defended three break points, as her superbly weighted drop shot wrong-footed Sharapova. The French player then took the second set, which lasted 64 minutes, breaking Sharapova by converting her first set point. The deciding set followed serve until 3-3, but Sharapova had to hold her nerve, defending a break point at 40-30 down in the fourth game with a ferociously hit ace and a fist pump. Mladenovic seized the advantage by converting her fourth break point and then came from 40-0 down in the seventh game to take a commanding 5-2 lead. Sharapova rallied to pull it back to 5-4, but Mladenovic was not to be denied her first win over the Russian and converted her first match point. Mladenovic will now face either fourth seed Simona Halep of Romania or Germany's Laura Siegemund, a wild card, in Sunday's final. (AFP)

Sharapova loses Stuttgart Open semi-finals on doping comeback

Maria Sharapova eased into the semi-finals of Stuttgart&#39;s WTA tournament after seeing off qualifier Anett Kontaveit on Friday for her third-straight win on her comeback after a 15-month doping ban. 
 
The 30-year-old five-time Grand Slam winner has yet to drop a set in Stuttgart and powered past Estonia&#39;s Kontaveit, ranked 73rd, for a 6-3, 6-4 quarter-final win in one hour, 23 minutes. 
 
This was another impressive display from the Russian, who hit four aces, 28 winners and just two double faults, while she converted five of her six break points. 
 
&quot;I served quite well and held my serve which gave me confidence, so I&#39;m happy,&quot; said Sharapova. 
 
&quot;We haven`t played each other before, so the first six games were just about working each other out. 
 
&quot;I kept myself in good shape, because once you lose it, it`s hard to get it back,&quot; she added when asked about her fitness on court after 15 months out. 
 
In Saturday&#39;s&nbsp;semi-final, the former world number one will face France&#39;s Kristina Mladenovic, ranked 19th in the world, who beat Spain`s Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3, 6-2. 
 
&quot;She is showing great form at the moment, it&#39;s a semi-final, so I expect a really tough match,&quot; said Mladenovic on Sharapova. 
 
The Russian only made the main draw for Stuttgart after being given a wild card as her ranking was wiped out after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. 
 
Mladenovic was one of the players who criticised the decision to give Sharapova wild cards in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome. 
 
But Sharapova gave a terse answer when asked if her next opponent&#39;s comments would motivate her to reach Sunday`s final: &quot;not at all&quot;. 
 
There has been nothing but support for the Russian from the Stuttgart crowd. 
 
She has been in commanding form as she waits to learn on May 16 whether she will be granted a wild card for the main draw of next month`s French Open. 
 
However, if she wins Sunday`s final, Sharapova will rank approximately 125th in the world -- high enough to at least allow her a qualifying place at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. 
 
The 21-year-old Kontaveit had already knocked out reigning French Open champion and fifth seed Garbine Muguruza in the second round. 
 
The Estonian put up a fight, breaking Sharapova&#39;s serve in the second set and matched the Russian`s tally of four aces. 
But Sharapova made light work of her early on, breaking Kontaveit&#39;s serve on the way to winning all of the last four games to take the first set in just 36 minutes. 
 
The Estonian dug deep at 3-1 down in the second and broke Sharapova in the fifth game. 
 
But with her superb array of baseline shots, Sharapova broke her opponent straight away, then held her serve to go 5-2 up. 
 
The plucky Kontaveit held her serve, then broke the Russian for the second time, but Sharapova also dug deep and broke the qualifier again to take the second set. 
 
&quot;When I come off, I realise how much I am enjoying it,&quot; added Sharapova. 
 
&quot;There was something on the line and I had to deliver. 
 
&quot;I stepped up, I didn&#39;t back down when she was serving to stay in the match. I came back and played a really strong game.&quot; 
 
Sharapova has won three Stuttgart finals, suffering just one defeat, in her four previous appearances. 
 
Her bid to reach a fourth final on Sunday has been made easier as top names, such as Angelique Kerber, Muguruza, Britain`s Johanna Konta and Agnieszka Radwanska, have all crashed out.&nbsp; 
 
Only two of the seven top-ten players who started -- second-seed Czech Karolina Pliskova and fourth-seeded Romanian Simona Halep -- have survived to the quarter-finals.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

The five-time grand slam winner beat Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 6-4 in one hour, 23 minutes

Maria Sharapova eased into the semi-finals of Stuttgart's WTA tournament after seeing off qualifier Anett Kontaveit on Friday for her third-straight win on her comeback after a 15-month doping ban. The 30-year-old five-time Grand Slam winner has yet to drop a set in Stuttgart and powered past Estonia's Kontaveit, ranked 73rd, for a 6-3, 6-4 quarter-final win in one hour, 23 minutes. This was another impressive display from the Russian, who hit four aces, 28 winners and just two double faults, while she converted five of her six break points. "I served quite well and held my serve which gave me confidence, so I'm happy," said Sharapova. "We haven`t played each other before, so the first six games were just about working each other out. "I kept myself in good shape, because once you lose it, it`s hard to get it back," she added when asked about her fitness on court after 15 months out. In Saturday's semi-final, the former world number one will face France's Kristina Mladenovic, ranked 19th in the world, who beat Spain`s Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3, 6-2. "She is showing great form at the moment, it's a semi-final, so I expect a really tough match," said Mladenovic on Sharapova. The Russian only made the main draw for Stuttgart after being given a wild card as her ranking was wiped out after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. Mladenovic was one of the players who criticised the decision to give Sharapova wild cards in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome. But Sharapova gave a terse answer when asked if her next opponent's comments would motivate her to reach Sunday`s final: "not at all". There has been nothing but support for the Russian from the Stuttgart crowd. She has been in commanding form as she waits to learn on May 16 whether she will be granted a wild card for the main draw of next month`s French Open. However, if she wins Sunday`s final, Sharapova will rank approximately 125th in the world -- high enough to at least allow her a qualifying place at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The 21-year-old Kontaveit had already knocked out reigning French Open champion and fifth seed Garbine Muguruza in the second round. The Estonian put up a fight, breaking Sharapova's serve in the second set and matched the Russian`s tally of four aces. But Sharapova made light work of her early on, breaking Kontaveit's serve on the way to winning all of the last four games to take the first set in just 36 minutes. The Estonian dug deep at 3-1 down in the second and broke Sharapova in the fifth game. But with her superb array of baseline shots, Sharapova broke her opponent straight away, then held her serve to go 5-2 up. The plucky Kontaveit held her serve, then broke the Russian for the second time, but Sharapova also dug deep and broke the qualifier again to take the second set. "When I come off, I realise how much I am enjoying it," added Sharapova. "There was something on the line and I had to deliver. "I stepped up, I didn't back down when she was serving to stay in the match. I came back and played a really strong game." Sharapova has won three Stuttgart finals, suffering just one defeat, in her four previous appearances. Her bid to reach a fourth final on Sunday has been made easier as top names, such as Angelique Kerber, Muguruza, Britain`s Johanna Konta and Agnieszka Radwanska, have all crashed out. Only two of the seven top-ten players who started -- second-seed Czech Karolina Pliskova and fourth-seeded Romanian Simona Halep -- have survived to the quarter-finals. (AFP)

Maria Sharapova powers into Stuttgart Open semi-finals

Maria Sharapova picked up a second win in as many days on her comeback from a 15-month doping ban on Thursday, beating fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova at the Stuttgart WTA tournament.

The 30-year-old five-time Grand Slam winner dominated Makarova, ranked 43 in the world, for a 7-5, 6-1 win in just one hour, 20 minutes, in the second-round tie.

&quot;I&#39;m happy. I executed my game plan and I was solid,&quot; said a relieved Sharapova, whose comeback is deeply controversial and has a wild card to play in the Stuttgart event where she has been a champion three times.

On Friday she will face Estonian qualifier Anett Kontaveit, who beat French Open champion and fifth-seed Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the second round, for a place in the semi-finals.

&quot;I haven&rsquo;t played her, she is one of the few girls on the tour I haven&rsquo;t faced yet,&quot; said Sharapova.

&quot;She has been playing some great tennis here and this is a great opportunity for both of us.&quot;

There was none of the rust or nerves Sharapova showed in beating Roberta Vinci 7-5, 6-3 in Wednesday&#39;s first round -- the first day she was eligible to play after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.

This was a far more polished, confident display from Sharapova, who hit nine aces and 29 winners against Makarova.

But there is still work to do before facing Kontaveit as Sharapova also had seven double faults and made 19 unforced errors.

&quot;Practice and playing are so different and you can only prepare the best you can, so it&rsquo;s good to finally play,&quot; said the former number one.

&quot;The reaction and anticipation you need are so hard to replicate in training and these are the things I need.&quot;

Makarova, who has now lost all of her seven matches against Sharapova, put up a fight as the first set followed serve, but was broken in the final game.

Sharapova pumped her fist and let out a scream as she converted her second set point.

It was all Sharapova in the second set as she won six straight games after Makarova won the first on her serve.

Stuttgart has always been a happy hunting ground for Sharapova in the past and she has won three finals and tasted defeat just once in four previous appearances.

Having also been given wild cards to play at the Madrid and Rome tournaments, Sharapova must wait until May 16 to learnt if she will get a wild card for the French Open.

However, there appeared to be no end to the criticism Sharapova has encountered on her comeback.

Eugenie Bouchard was the latest player to attack Sharapova, who the Canadian branded a &quot;cheater&quot; over her return from a drugs ban.

Bouchard has suggested the Russian should be kicked out of tennis for life and said the Women&#39;s Tennis Association was sending the wrong message in allowing Sharapova to come back from her 15-month suspension.

(AFP)

The former world number one brushed aside world number 43 Ekaterina Makarova to enter Stuttgart quarter-final

Maria Sharapova picked up a second win in as many days on her comeback from a 15-month doping ban on Thursday, beating fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova at the Stuttgart WTA tournament. The 30-year-old five-time Grand Slam winner dominated Makarova, ranked 43 in the world, for a 7-5, 6-1 win in just one hour, 20 minutes, in the second-round tie. "I'm happy. I executed my game plan and I was solid," said a relieved Sharapova, whose comeback is deeply controversial and has a wild card to play in the Stuttgart event where she has been a champion three times. On Friday she will face Estonian qualifier Anett Kontaveit, who beat French Open champion and fifth-seed Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the second round, for a place in the semi-finals. "I haven’t played her, she is one of the few girls on the tour I haven’t faced yet," said Sharapova. "She has been playing some great tennis here and this is a great opportunity for both of us." There was none of the rust or nerves Sharapova showed in beating Roberta Vinci 7-5, 6-3 in Wednesday's first round -- the first day she was eligible to play after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. This was a far more polished, confident display from Sharapova, who hit nine aces and 29 winners against Makarova. But there is still work to do before facing Kontaveit as Sharapova also had seven double faults and made 19 unforced errors. "Practice and playing are so different and you can only prepare the best you can, so it’s good to finally play," said the former number one. "The reaction and anticipation you need are so hard to replicate in training and these are the things I need." Makarova, who has now lost all of her seven matches against Sharapova, put up a fight as the first set followed serve, but was broken in the final game. Sharapova pumped her fist and let out a scream as she converted her second set point. It was all Sharapova in the second set as she won six straight games after Makarova won the first on her serve. Stuttgart has always been a happy hunting ground for Sharapova in the past and she has won three finals and tasted defeat just once in four previous appearances. Having also been given wild cards to play at the Madrid and Rome tournaments, Sharapova must wait until May 16 to learnt if she will get a wild card for the French Open. However, there appeared to be no end to the criticism Sharapova has encountered on her comeback. Eugenie Bouchard was the latest player to attack Sharapova, who the Canadian branded a "cheater" over her return from a drugs ban. Bouchard has suggested the Russian should be kicked out of tennis for life and said the Women's Tennis Association was sending the wrong message in allowing Sharapova to come back from her 15-month suspension. (AFP)

Sharapova wins second match after doping ban return

Maria Sharapova marked her return from a 15-month doping ban on Wednesday with a rusty 7-5, 6-3 win over Roberta Vinci in Stuttgart, describing victory as the &quot;best feeling in the world&quot;.

Sharapova, the former world number one and five-time Grand Slam champion, brushed off a nervous start to eventually claim a convincing win on her controversial comeback having tested positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.

&quot;It&#39;s the best feeling in the world to walk out (on court), it&#39;s been a stage of mine since I was a young girl and it was very special,&quot; said Sharapova who celebrated her win with a succession of fist pumps and a broad smile before blowing kisses to all corners of the Porsche Arena.

&quot;I have been waiting for this a long time.&quot;

Sharapova was given a wildcard to play in Stuttgart tournament, where she has been champion three times, a move which drew a barrage of criticsm from rivals who believed she was receiving preferential treatment.

She fired 39 winners and 11 aces past 34-year-old Vinci, one of many to have voiced her concerns over the Russian benefitting from wildcards.&nbsp;

After receiving warm applause from the crowd, which included one fan who held up a Russian flag bearing the words &#39;Welcome back Maria, Sharapova, dressed in an orange top and lilac-coloured dress, initially struggled.

She quickly found herself 2-0 down before she broke back to level at 2-0.

As was to be expected after her long break, Sharapova laboured to find her shots and Vinci profited from several mistakes.

But the 30-year-old Russian started to move her Italian opponent around the court and found her range with a pair of aces.

Sharapova finally broke the Italian in the 11th game and then held her service, converting her second set point in exactly an hour.

Vinci had lost to Sharapova in both their previous meetings and the Italian trailed from 2-0 down in the second set on Wednesday.

Sharapova quickly moved to 5-3 ahead up with an ace and extended her domination in the following game, racing into a 40-0 lead and converted her first match point for victory in one hour, 45 minutes.

&quot;I&#39;ve been doing this for so long and this was my first match for a while, so when you are in the moment, you block everything else out,&quot; said Sharapova.

&quot;I&#39;m competitive by nature, even when things aren&#39;t working out.

&quot;That&#39;s when I am at my best, when I forget about everything, just be me and just compete.&quot;

Sharapova will now play fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova in Thursday&#39;s second-round.

&quot;It&#39;s going to be tough, but every match I play now is important for me,&quot; she said.

&quot;It&#39;s important to just play, it&#39;s a journey and it officially starts for me today and I am looking forward to playing as many matches as I can.&quot;

(AFP)

The former world number one scored a 7-5, 6-3 win over Roberta Vinci in Stuttgart

Maria Sharapova marked her return from a 15-month doping ban on Wednesday with a rusty 7-5, 6-3 win over Roberta Vinci in Stuttgart, describing victory as the "best feeling in the world". Sharapova, the former world number one and five-time Grand Slam champion, brushed off a nervous start to eventually claim a convincing win on her controversial comeback having tested positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. "It's the best feeling in the world to walk out (on court), it's been a stage of mine since I was a young girl and it was very special," said Sharapova who celebrated her win with a succession of fist pumps and a broad smile before blowing kisses to all corners of the Porsche Arena. "I have been waiting for this a long time." Sharapova was given a wildcard to play in Stuttgart tournament, where she has been champion three times, a move which drew a barrage of criticsm from rivals who believed she was receiving preferential treatment. She fired 39 winners and 11 aces past 34-year-old Vinci, one of many to have voiced her concerns over the Russian benefitting from wildcards. After receiving warm applause from the crowd, which included one fan who held up a Russian flag bearing the words 'Welcome back Maria, Sharapova, dressed in an orange top and lilac-coloured dress, initially struggled. She quickly found herself 2-0 down before she broke back to level at 2-0. As was to be expected after her long break, Sharapova laboured to find her shots and Vinci profited from several mistakes. But the 30-year-old Russian started to move her Italian opponent around the court and found her range with a pair of aces. Sharapova finally broke the Italian in the 11th game and then held her service, converting her second set point in exactly an hour. Vinci had lost to Sharapova in both their previous meetings and the Italian trailed from 2-0 down in the second set on Wednesday. Sharapova quickly moved to 5-3 ahead up with an ace and extended her domination in the following game, racing into a 40-0 lead and converted her first match point for victory in one hour, 45 minutes. "I've been doing this for so long and this was my first match for a while, so when you are in the moment, you block everything else out," said Sharapova. "I'm competitive by nature, even when things aren't working out. "That's when I am at my best, when I forget about everything, just be me and just compete." Sharapova will now play fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova in Thursday's second-round. "It's going to be tough, but every match I play now is important for me," she said. "It's important to just play, it's a journey and it officially starts for me today and I am looking forward to playing as many matches as I can." (AFP)

Sharapova wins first match after return from doping ban

Maria Sharapova will know on May 16 if she will be granted a wild card invitation for the French Open, the organisers of the May 28-June 11 grand slam tournament said on Wednesday. 
 
&quot;We will make our decision public on Facebook on May 16 at 1900 (local time, 1700GMT),&quot; French federation president Bernard Giudicelli told a news conference on Wednesday. 
 
Giudicelli said he will discuss the matter with tournament director Guy Forget on May 15. 
 
Former world number one Sharapova, 30, is returning to action on Wednesday from a 15-month doping ban after being awarded a wild card for the Stuttgart claycourt tournament. 
 
&quot;The tournament is bigger than the players,&quot; added Giudicelli, who said he would call Sharapova before the decision is made public. 
 
(AFP)

 
&nbsp;

Sharapova is returning to action from a 15-month doping ban after being awarded a wild card for the Stuttgart claycourt tournament

Maria Sharapova will know on May 16 if she will be granted a wild card invitation for the French Open, the organisers of the May 28-June 11 grand slam tournament said on Wednesday. "We will make our decision public on Facebook on May 16 at 1900 (local time, 1700GMT)," French federation president Bernard Giudicelli told a news conference on Wednesday. Giudicelli said he will discuss the matter with tournament director Guy Forget on May 15. Former world number one Sharapova, 30, is returning to action on Wednesday from a 15-month doping ban after being awarded a wild card for the Stuttgart claycourt tournament. "The tournament is bigger than the players," added Giudicelli, who said he would call Sharapova before the decision is made public. (AFP)

Maria Sharapova to know French Open wild card fate on May 16

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, who has been banned from playing tennis till April after testing positive for drugs in January, played two light-hearted matches for the Elton John Aids Foundation on Monday.

The former world number one played at the World Team Tennis &quot;Smash Hits&quot; event in Las Vegas, her first appearance on the tennis court since testing positive for the banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open in January. Her ban was reduced from two years to 15 months by the Court of Arbitration last week.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s very special to be back on the court,&quot; she said before the match. &quot;It&#39;s been about seven months since I&#39;ve played in front of spectators and played in a stadium environment. Obviously, very thankful for the invitation, happy to be part of this cause.

&quot;It&#39;s been around for 24 years and it&#39;s my first attendance. Thrilled to be part of it,&quot; added the tennis player who has slipped to 93 in the world rankings.

Sharapova teamed up with American Taylor Johnson for the first doubles match, and lost to Martina Navratilova and Liezel Huber. She won her second match opposite Martina Navratilova and Andy Roddick in which she doubled up with John McEnroe, acknowledging that the journey back would be a tough one.&nbsp;

She now looks forward to her first tournament in April, a month before the French Open.

&quot;Yeah, I will look to play maybe a couple of exhibition events leading up to my first tournament in April, she said. &quot;I don&#39;t know what those will be, but I think that&#39;s one of the things that will be really important because match play, you can never really replicate it. You can practise as much as you want but there&#39;s nothing really like it.&quot;

&nbsp;(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The two-year ban on Maria Sharapova was reduced to15 months by the Court of Arbitration last week

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, who has been banned from playing tennis till April after testing positive for drugs in January, played two light-hearted matches for the Elton John Aids Foundation on Monday. The former world number one played at the World Team Tennis "Smash Hits" event in Las Vegas, her first appearance on the tennis court since testing positive for the banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open in January. Her ban was reduced from two years to 15 months by the Court of Arbitration last week. "It's very special to be back on the court," she said before the match. "It's been about seven months since I've played in front of spectators and played in a stadium environment. Obviously, very thankful for the invitation, happy to be part of this cause. "It's been around for 24 years and it's my first attendance. Thrilled to be part of it," added the tennis player who has slipped to 93 in the world rankings. Sharapova teamed up with American Taylor Johnson for the first doubles match, and lost to Martina Navratilova and Liezel Huber. She won her second match opposite Martina Navratilova and Andy Roddick in which she doubled up with John McEnroe, acknowledging that the journey back would be a tough one. She now looks forward to her first tournament in April, a month before the French Open. "Yeah, I will look to play maybe a couple of exhibition events leading up to my first tournament in April, she said. "I don't know what those will be, but I think that's one of the things that will be really important because match play, you can never really replicate it. You can practise as much as you want but there's nothing really like it." (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Banned Sharapova returns to court for Elton John Aids Foundation charity match

Maria Sharapova&rsquo;s punishment will be reduced by nine months, the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced, ruling that the original penalty was disproportionately harsh for an infraction that Sharapova committed unintentionally.

Sharapova, 29, tested positive for meldonium, a heart medication newly banned by antidoping regulators, at the Australian Open in January. She publicly disclosed the violation in March, days after she was privately notified of the lab results.

Sharapova&#39;s two-year doping ban has been reduced to 15 months following her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

&quot;I am counting the days until I can return to the court,&quot; she said.

She will now be eligible to return to international competition on April 25, 2017, a week after her 30th birthday and in time for both the French Open and Wimbledon.

Under the previous ruling, she would have been suspended until January&nbsp;25, 2018. Whil&nbsp;she is no doubt thrilled about the vast reduction of her sentence, much damage has already been done;&nbsp;Sharapova had to miss the 2016 Rio Olympics and this year&#39;s final grand slam, the US Open.

Sharapova has won five Grand Slam titles, and captured the silver in&nbsp;singles tennis at the&nbsp;Olympic Games&nbsp;in London, 2012.

(Wion, with inputs from Reuters)

The Russian tennis star will be back on the court in time for Wimbledon and the French Open in 2017

Maria Sharapova’s punishment will be reduced by nine months, the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced, ruling that the original penalty was disproportionately harsh for an infraction that Sharapova committed unintentionally. Sharapova, 29, tested positive for meldonium, a heart medication newly banned by antidoping regulators, at the Australian Open in January. She publicly disclosed the violation in March, days after she was privately notified of the lab results. Sharapova's two-year doping ban has been reduced to 15 months following her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. "I am counting the days until I can return to the court," she said. She will now be eligible to return to international competition on April 25, 2017, a week after her 30th birthday and in time for both the French Open and Wimbledon. Under the previous ruling, she would have been suspended until January 25, 2018. Whil she is no doubt thrilled about the vast reduction of her sentence, much damage has already been done; Sharapova had to miss the 2016 Rio Olympics and this year's final grand slam, the US Open. Sharapova has won five Grand Slam titles, and captured the silver in singles tennis at the Olympic Games in London, 2012. (Wion, with inputs from Reuters)

Maria Sharapova's ban reduced to 15 months from 2 years

The Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) will decide on Maria Sharapova&#39;s appeal against a two-year tennis ban in the first week of October, Reuters reported today.&nbsp; 
 
The five-time grand slam champion tested positive for meldonium, a banned drug, during Australian Open in January.&nbsp; 
 
She filed the petition three days after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) imposed the ban, seeking to either reduce the sentence or remove it. 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Sharapova tested positive for meldonium, a banned drug, during Australian Open in January?

The Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) will decide on Maria Sharapova's appeal against a two-year tennis ban in the first week of October, Reuters reported today. The five-time grand slam champion tested positive for meldonium, a banned drug, during Australian Open in January. She filed the petition three days after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) imposed the ban, seeking to either reduce the sentence or remove it. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

CAS to rule on Sharapova doping ban appeal next month

Five times grand slam winner Maria Sharapova, banned in June for two years for doping offences, may be allowed to return in January, according to Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev. 
 
&quot;Everything will be decided in September. It is impossible to say for certain but I think she will start playing again by January,&quot; Tarpishchev was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency on Monday.&nbsp; 
 
Former world number one Sharapova was suspended following a positive test for the banned drug meldonium during January&#39;s Australian Open. 
 
The 29-year-old was named in Russia&#39;s official entry list for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decided in July to defer its decision on her appeal against the ban until September 19. 
 
Sharapova is seeking to have her suspension, which was handed down by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in June, wiped out or reduced. 
 
The postponement of the ruling came because Sharapova and the ITF needed more time to &quot;complete and respond to their respective evidentiary submissions&quot;, the CAS said in a statement. 
 
(Reuters)

The former world number one was suspended following a positive test for the banned drug meldonium during January's Australian Open

Five times grand slam winner Maria Sharapova, banned in June for two years for doping offences, may be allowed to return in January, according to Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev. "Everything will be decided in September. It is impossible to say for certain but I think she will start playing again by January," Tarpishchev was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency on Monday. Former world number one Sharapova was suspended following a positive test for the banned drug meldonium during January's Australian Open. The 29-year-old was named in Russia's official entry list for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decided in July to defer its decision on her appeal against the ban until September 19. Sharapova is seeking to have her suspension, which was handed down by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in June, wiped out or reduced. The postponement of the ruling came because Sharapova and the ITF needed more time to "complete and respond to their respective evidentiary submissions", the CAS said in a statement. (Reuters)

Banned Sharapova could return in January: Russia tennis chief

Five-times grand slam champion Maria Sharapova has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) seeking to have her two-year doping ban dismissed or reduced.&nbsp; 
 
The 29-year-old Russian was banned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) earlier this month following a positive test for the banned drug meldonium during January&#39;s Australian Open. 
 
&quot;In her appeal to the CAS, Ms Sharapova seeks the annulment of the Tribunal&rsquo;s decision to sanction her with a two-year period of ineligibility further to an anti-doping rule violation,&quot; sport&#39;s highest tribunal said in a statement. &quot;Ms Sharapova submits that the period of ineligibility should be eliminated, or in the alternative, reduced.&quot; 
 
The statement added that her case had been expedited and a ruling would be made by July 18 at the latest, which means Sharapova still harbours hopes of competing at the Rio Olympics in August provided her ban is reduced to time already served. 
 
The former world number one was named in Russia&#39;s official entry list for the Olympics. 
 
Sharapova had called the ITF&#39;s ruling &quot;unfairly harsh&quot; as an independent tribunal had found that she had not intentionally violated anti-doping rules. 
 
Meldonium was added to WADA&#39;s list of banned substances at the start of the year after mounting evidence that it boosted blood flow and enhanced athletic performance. 
 
The World Anti-Doping Agency said in a statement on Tuesday that it reviewed the tribunal&#39;s decision and confirmed it would not be using its independent right to appeal to CAS. 
 
Since January, about 180 athletes have tested positive for the drug, which is manufactured in Latvia and common throughout eastern Europe. 
 
Sharapova stunned the sporting world in March when she announced that she had tested positive for meldonium, a component of a product named Mildronate which she has taken since 2006 for health issues. 
(Reuters)

"Unfairly harsh" ruling contested, as independent tribunal says drug was taken accidentally

Five-times grand slam champion Maria Sharapova has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) seeking to have her two-year doping ban dismissed or reduced. The 29-year-old Russian was banned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) earlier this month following a positive test for the banned drug meldonium during January's Australian Open. "In her appeal to the CAS, Ms Sharapova seeks the annulment of the Tribunal’s decision to sanction her with a two-year period of ineligibility further to an anti-doping rule violation," sport's highest tribunal said in a statement. "Ms Sharapova submits that the period of ineligibility should be eliminated, or in the alternative, reduced." The statement added that her case had been expedited and a ruling would be made by July 18 at the latest, which means Sharapova still harbours hopes of competing at the Rio Olympics in August provided her ban is reduced to time already served. The former world number one was named in Russia's official entry list for the Olympics. Sharapova had called the ITF's ruling "unfairly harsh" as an independent tribunal had found that she had not intentionally violated anti-doping rules. Meldonium was added to WADA's list of banned substances at the start of the year after mounting evidence that it boosted blood flow and enhanced athletic performance. The World Anti-Doping Agency said in a statement on Tuesday that it reviewed the tribunal's decision and confirmed it would not be using its independent right to appeal to CAS. Since January, about 180 athletes have tested positive for the drug, which is manufactured in Latvia and common throughout eastern Europe. Sharapova stunned the sporting world in March when she announced that she had tested positive for meldonium, a component of a product named Mildronate which she has taken since 2006 for health issues. (Reuters)

Sharapova appeals her two-year doping ban in quest to be eligible for the Rio Olympics

A Court of Arbitration for Sport decision on the two-year doping ban for Maria Sharapova has been put back two months to September, the court said today, ruling the tennis superstar out of the Rio Olympics. 
 
The 29-year-old Russian, one of the biggest names in tennis, tested positive for the banned medication meldonium during January`s Australian Open, in a severe blow to her reputation. 
 
&quot;Maria Sharapova and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) have agreed to defer the CAS decision until September 2016,&quot; said a CAS statement. 
 
&quot;Due to the parties requiring additional time to complete and respond to their respective evidentiary submissions, and several scheduling conflicts, the parties have agreed not to expedite the appeal. A decision is expected to be issued by September 19, 2016.&quot; 
 
The original ruling was expected by July 18, with Sharapova hoping that a successful appeal would have allowed her to spearhead the Russian tennis team in Rio. 
 
Russia&#39;s participation at the Games, which begin on August 5, is already under fierce scrutiny after its track and field team was banned for separate state-sponsored doping. 
 
Sharapova&#39;s ban was backdated to January 26 this year, when she tested positive for the prohibited substance. 
 
Meldonium was added to the world anti-doping WADA list on January 1. Sharapova said she had been taking it for 10 years to help treat illnesses, a heart issue and a magnesium deficiency. 
 
Sharapova has previously blasted the ban as &quot;unfairly harsh&quot;. 
 
The CAS statement added: &quot;In her appeal to the CAS, Ms Sharapova seeks the annulment of the (ITF) tribunal`s decision to sanction her with a two-year period of ineligibility further to an anti-doping rule violation.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Ms Sharapova submits that the period of ineligibility should be eliminated, or in the alternative, reduced. The final decision will be announced and published by CAS when it is available.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Maria Sharapova, one of the biggest names in tennis, tested positive for the banned medication meldonium during January's Australian Open

A Court of Arbitration for Sport decision on the two-year doping ban for Maria Sharapova has been put back two months to September, the court said today, ruling the tennis superstar out of the Rio Olympics. The 29-year-old Russian, one of the biggest names in tennis, tested positive for the banned medication meldonium during January`s Australian Open, in a severe blow to her reputation. "Maria Sharapova and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) have agreed to defer the CAS decision until September 2016," said a CAS statement. "Due to the parties requiring additional time to complete and respond to their respective evidentiary submissions, and several scheduling conflicts, the parties have agreed not to expedite the appeal. A decision is expected to be issued by September 19, 2016." The original ruling was expected by July 18, with Sharapova hoping that a successful appeal would have allowed her to spearhead the Russian tennis team in Rio. Russia's participation at the Games, which begin on August 5, is already under fierce scrutiny after its track and field team was banned for separate state-sponsored doping. Sharapova's ban was backdated to January 26 this year, when she tested positive for the prohibited substance. Meldonium was added to the world anti-doping WADA list on January 1. Sharapova said she had been taking it for 10 years to help treat illnesses, a heart issue and a magnesium deficiency. Sharapova has previously blasted the ban as "unfairly harsh". The CAS statement added: "In her appeal to the CAS, Ms Sharapova seeks the annulment of the (ITF) tribunal`s decision to sanction her with a two-year period of ineligibility further to an anti-doping rule violation. "Ms Sharapova submits that the period of ineligibility should be eliminated, or in the alternative, reduced. The final decision will be announced and published by CAS when it is available." (AFP)

Sharapova out of Rio as CAS delays doping decision

Serena Williams may have been second best at the French Open on Saturday but the American has moved ahead of fellow tennis player Maria Sharapova to top the women&#39;s earnings list in sports, according to Forbes Magazine. 
 
Williams ended the Russian&#39;s 11-year reign as the world number one women&#39;s money earner in sports by hauling in $28.9 million in combined prize money and off-field earnings over the past 12 months, the magazine said yesterday. 
 
Sharapova, who lost some sponsorship money after announcing she had tested positive for the recently banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open in January and is provisionally suspended, holds second spot at $21.9 million. 
 
American mixed martial arts standout Ronda Rousey shot up to third on the list at $14 million from eighth place and $6.5 million, just ahead of compatriot and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, who earned $13.9 million, according to www.forbes.com. 
 
The rest of the women&#39;s top 10 were also tennis players. 
 
Poland&#39;s Agnieszka Radwanska ranked fifth at $10.2 million followed by Dane Caroline Wozniacki ($8 million), Spain&#39;s newly-crowned French Open champion Garbine Muguruza ($7.6 million), Serb Ana Ivanovic ($7.4 million), Victoria Azarenka of Belarus ($6.6) and Canada&#39;s Eugenie Bouchard ($6.2 million).

The US tennis star has earned $28.9 million in the last 12 months while Maria Sharapova has earned $21.9 million in this time period

Serena Williams may have been second best at the French Open on Saturday but the American has moved ahead of fellow tennis player Maria Sharapova to top the women's earnings list in sports, according to Forbes Magazine. Williams ended the Russian's 11-year reign as the world number one women's money earner in sports by hauling in $28.9 million in combined prize money and off-field earnings over the past 12 months, the magazine said yesterday. Sharapova, who lost some sponsorship money after announcing she had tested positive for the recently banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open in January and is provisionally suspended, holds second spot at $21.9 million. American mixed martial arts standout Ronda Rousey shot up to third on the list at $14 million from eighth place and $6.5 million, just ahead of compatriot and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, who earned $13.9 million, according to www.forbes.com. The rest of the women's top 10 were also tennis players. Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska ranked fifth at $10.2 million followed by Dane Caroline Wozniacki ($8 million), Spain's newly-crowned French Open champion Garbine Muguruza ($7.6 million), Serb Ana Ivanovic ($7.4 million), Victoria Azarenka of Belarus ($6.6) and Canada's Eugenie Bouchard ($6.2 million).

Serena passes suspended Sharapova as top sportswoman earner

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