Maria Sharapova returns to WTA action this week at Stuttgart

Maria Sharapova returns to competitive WTA play at the women’s Stuttgart Open. She opens the tournament with a match against Roberta Vinci.

Maria Sharapova returns from her ban at the Porsche Stuttgart Grand Prix.

After testing positive for meldonium, the Russian tennis player was suspended for two years. Her suspension was reduced several months and she has been granted a wildcard at the Stuttgart Open.

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Sharapova’s first match back comes against world No. 35 Roberta Vinci.

The Italian tennis player has 10 career WTA singles titles. She is 0-2 against Sharapova throughout her career. While Sharapova has the edge, the match is interesting in that both players have something to prove.

The Russian tennis star is looking to revive her career. Vinci, on the other hand, is in need of a strong tournament. Facing back to back opening round exits, Stuttgart is a chance for Vinci to reboot her 2017 WTA Tour. Playing against former world No. 1 Sharapova, Vinci can make a splash with a dominant win over the Russian tennis player.

Maria Sharapova is allowed to enter the arena just before the match with Vinci. As her suspension is being lifted, all eyes are on Sharapova.

The Russian returns to play right after Serena Williams announced her pregnancy. World No. 1 Angelique Kerber is the top seed at Stuttgart. There is no doubt that the German tennis player is aiming to take hold of the world No. 1 position with Williams’ absence. Sharapova has a lot to contend with in her turn to action.

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