After a long shoulder injury layoff that saw Russia’s Maria Sharapova play only 15 matches in 2019, the 32-year-old is set for her return to the court and will do so at the Brisbane International this January after receiving a wildcard.
The five-time Grand Slam champion last played a competitive match back in August 2019.
“Brisbane, I’ve missed you and I’m so excited to be starting off my year 2020 at your tournament, in your city,” Sharapova said in a social media video.
“I’ve missed the fans, I’ve missed the event so much, and I am so looking forward to seeing everyone.”
The event which runs from January 6 to 12 will also feature defending champion Karolina Pliskova, world number one Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka and Venus Williams.
With the Australian Open starting on the 20th of January, this event is the perfect warm-up for the participants.
Sharapova currently ranks 133rd in the world and would need a wildcard to gain direct entry into the Australian Open. She last won the tournament back in 2008.
After failing a drug test in 2016, she served a 15 months ban which saw her leave Tennis for over a year and the former World number one hasn’t quite regained her form since then.
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