Maria Sharapova (Photo : Getty Images)
Former world's no.1 Maria Sharapova is set to make her tennis comeback on Thursday in an exhibition match with reigning women's singles Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig in the latter's turf in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Sharapova, whose doping suspension will be lifted in Spring just in time for the French Open championships, remains determined to continue her tennis career. She has been training hard while away from the WTA circuit, and on Thursday, she will have her first real competition against an active WTA player since the 2016 Australian Open championships.
"Monica's Olympic story brought so much joy and pride to the people of Puerto Rico and I am happy to support her dream of playing tennis in her homeland," said Sharapova in a press release via CNN.com.
The 29-year old Sharapova was originally banned for two years after testing positive for prohibited substance meldonium at the Australian Open. Although she stressed that she has been using for particular health problem, Sharapova was still slapped with suspension, which was later reduced to 15 months.
Despite the lengthy layoff, Sports Illustrated writer John Wertheim still thinks Sharapova is capable of becoming a major force in women's tennis by the time she makes his comeback, as early as the French Open, at the age of 30.
"But my prediction for Sharapova: no mediocrity. This is one pole or the other. She's either winning trophies or the magic is gone. She's been staying in shape, and the time off might be a blessing in disguise. Ferociously competitive to begin with, she won't lack for motivation. She will see the faces of the tribunal members on each ball she strikes.
With her tormentor, Serena Williams, now 35 years old and a soft pocket at the top of the WTA rankings-if Sharapova and Angelique Kerber played 10 matches on a variety of surfaces next week, might there be a 5-5 split?-opportunity is there."
Sharapova held the top spot of the world ranking in two separate occasions and captured six Grand Slam champions. She's just one of few players to win all four Grand Slam tournaments.
