TENNIS: Sharapova handed Rome wildcard

Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a backhand return against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in their 3rd round match at the BNP Paribas Tennis Open in Indian Wells, California on March 16, 2015. Sharapova defeated Azarenka 6-4, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/FREDERIC J. BROWN

Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has been given a wildcard to play in the Italian Open in May, organisers said yesterday.

The former world number one makes her return to the circuit in Stuttgart in April after completing a 15-month ban for doping. “We officially announce the wild card for the 3-time Rome champion @MariaSharapova into the main draw ... “ organisers announced on Twitter.

Sharapova hasn’t played on tour since testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. An initial two-year ban was reduced to 15 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.