Maria Sharapova loses to Monica Puig in exhibition match

Maria Sharapova is building toward her ultimate comeback in mid 2016. The Russian tennis player lost to Monica Puig in an exhibition match this week.

Maria Sharapova was well received by tennis fans in her exhibition match against Puerto Rican tennis player Monica Puig.

The two women’s tennis stars put on a show for the thousands in attendance.

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Sharapova is set to be reinstated to the WTA Tour in April. She has the potential to be back in competitive play in time for the 2017 French Open.

A former No. 1, Sharapova has 5 Grand Slam women’s singles titles to her name. While some may see her playing in exhibitions such as this one as controversial, the fans in attendance showed nothing but love for the Russian tennis star.

The match went in favor of Puig, 6-3, 1-6, 10-6.

Puig is riding high after winning the gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Rio.

Both Puig and Sharapova represent two major parts of women’s tennis. Puig, at 23-years-old is a rising star in the sport. She, along with several other strong young players, is a part of a new generation of players. Veterans such as Sharapova, are on the other side of the game, fighting to remain on top. At 29-years-old, a healthy Maria Sharapova still has plenty left in the tank. She will, however, have to prove that she can return to competitive play at a level the sport is used to seeing from her.

2017 marks an important year for Sharapova. Although fans and many players in are coming out in support of her return, the Russian tennis star must return to her old form on the court.

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