Maria Sharapova Granted A Wild Card Entry Into US Open

August 16, 2017 19:10
Maria Sharapova Granted A Wild Card Entry Into US Open

Maria Sharapova Granted A Wild Card Entry Into US Open: The United States Tennis Association (USTA) said, a wild card entry has been granted to the Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova (30) into the main draw of the US Open.

The USTA said in a statement that, “Sharapova has played in the US Open main draw 10 times before. In her last visit to New York, in 2014, she fell to Caroline Wozniacki in the round of 16.”

Ever since losing to American Serena Williams in the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2016, Sharapova has not appeared in a Grand Slam. Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion.

“The Russian, who has never lost a first-round match at Flushing Meadows, will be unseeded for just the second time. In her US Open debut in 2003, Sharapova was ranked No. 54. She is currently No. 148,” the USTA said.

Sharapova was initially suspended for two years for doping, but the penalty was later reduced to 15 months. At the Australian Open last year, Sharapova tested positive for the banned substance drug meldonium. At the Stuttgart Open in April, the Russian star returned to competition.

The French federation denied a wild card into the French Open for Sharapova and pulled out of the Wimbledon qualifying due to an injury.

Sharapova, a former World No.1 and a 2006 US Open champion, has been listed as the highest-paid female athlete in the world. She has been highly successful in modeling, fashion design and marketing products under her personal brand.

The US Open, the last Grand Slam of the year, is scheduled to start on on August 2.

SUPRAJA

If you enjoyed this Post, Sign up for Newsletter

(And get daily dose of political, entertainment news straight to your inbox)

Rate This Article
(0 votes)