×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Truth Without Fear
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Sharapova fights to first title since drugs ban

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Maria Sharapova beat Aryna Sabalenka to win the Tianjin Open. Photograph: Imaginechina/REX/Shutterstock

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight by 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).

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Sports
Stage set for World U20 Champs trials
Football
Ingo derby now a huge test for AFC Leopards' title credentials
By Ben Ahenda 10 hrs ago
Boxing
Okong'o leads experienced boxers into finals
By Mike Kihaki 11 hrs ago
Sports
Senators raise questions over Sh45.8 billion Talanta Sports City Stadium project again