Moscow : Suspended Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova was removed from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings, according to a report on the organisation’s website on Monday.
Last week, Sharapova, 29, was in 93rd place in the rankings, reports Efe. She is serving a two-year suspension for the violation of anti-doping regulations since January 26. However, the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on October 4 to reduce her suspension term from 24 to 15 months.
The former World No.1 is now eligible to officially return to tennis courts starting April 26 next year.
Due to the ban, the silver medallist at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, had to miss the 2016 Rio Games, held in August.
In December, Sharapova will take part in an exhibition match in Madrid against 2016 French Open winner Spaniard Garbine Muguruza.
The nearest Grand Slam tournament, the 2017 French Open, is scheduled to be held from May 28-June 11.
Sharapova will not have time to earn enough tournament points to join the Grand Slam tournament in France. Hence the wildcard is her only chance to play at the prestigious event.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Angelique Kerber and India’s Sania Mirza continued to lead the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles and doubles rankings, respectively, according to the latest list released on Monday.
In the singles section, American Serena Williams remained second, followed by Polish Agnieska Radwanska. In doubles, Sania’s former partner Swiss Martina Hingis dropped two spots.
Potro lifts Stockholm Stockholm
Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro defeated American Jack Sock 7-5, 6-1 in the summit clash to clinch the Stockholm Open tennis tournament at the Kungliga Tennishallen here.
The 2009 US Open champion needed 76 minutes to prevail over the top ranked American player on Sunday, reports Efe.
Del Potro has undergone numerous wrist surgeries in recent years, but he has shown championship form once again this summer, winning a silver medal in the men’s singles category at the Rio Olympics.
