Maria Sharapova Eyes Return Through Mallorca Open After Three Months

After more than three-month break due to injury, Maria Sharapova is expected to make her return at next week's Mallorca Open tournament, the organisers announced on Monday. The former world number one Sharapova's career graph has been sidelined since February after undergoing a surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury which has troubled her since 2008.

“After more than a week testing in Mallorca, Maria Sharapova has decided to accept the wildcard offered by the Mallorca Open,”

This time after returning to the practice court, the five-time Grand Slam champion Maria showcased enormous amount of hardwork to build on physical strength. “After more than a week testing in Mallorca, Maria Sharapova has decided to accept the wildcard offered by the Mallorca Open,” the statement said.

Between 2004-2012, Sharapova played in seven WTA finals, winning Wimbledon in 2004 and two Birmingham crowns. “I am happy to announce that I will be accepting the wild card to play the Mallorca Open,” said Sharapova, 32, to Tennis World.

“I want to thank the tournament for the opportunity and all my amazing fans for the support in the last four months,” she added.

“As the tournament director of the Mallorca Open and as a born Mallorcan, I'm thrilled to welcome the top stars of the tennis world like Maria Sharapova, Angelique Kerber and Viktoria Azarenka to WTA tournament that takes place on our beautiful island,” Tony Nadal said.

Her last on-court appearance was at the St Petersburg Open in her native Russia in January, eventually losing the French Open to Ashleigh Barty.

Before the injury, Sharapova has been struggling to get back to highly anticipated return since her 15-month doping ban that ended in 2017. Her last on-court appearance was at the St Petersburg Open in her native Russia in January, eventually losing the French Open to Ashleigh Barty at round16 of the Australian Open earlier in the month.

The WTA grass event in Mallorca begins on June 17.  Sharapova will be joining the league of reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber and fellow former world number one Victoria Azarenka.

Feature Image Credit : The Indian Express