Maria Sharapova: Five-time Grand Slam winner given US Open wildcard

Maria Sharapova is set to play in her first Grand Slam since her 15-month drugs ban after being given a wildcard for the US Open main draw.

Former world number one Sharapova, 30, returned to action in April but was denied a wildcard for the French Open.

The Russian five-time major winner was eligible for a place in Wimbledon qualifying through her world ranking, but missed the event with an injury.

Sharapova has volunteered to speak to young tennis players at the USTA National Campus about the importance of the tennis anti-doping program

“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 United States Tennis Association (USTA), which oversees the US Open, told BBC Sport.

“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 wildcards include Martina Hingis, Lleyton Hewitt, Kim Cljisters and Juan Martin del Potro.

“Additionally, Sharapova has volunteered to speak to young tennis players at the USTA National Campus about the importance of the tennis anti-doping program and the personal responsibility each player has to comply with the program’s requirements.”