Maria Sharapova to play Wimbledon qualifiers, declining to ask for main draw wildcard
The Russian is determined to make her presence felt in the grand slam tournament even after being rejected for a place in the French Open
Maria Sharapova said on Friday she will not request a wildcard for Wimbledon, instead opting to play in qualifying for the grand slam she won in 2004, as she returns from a doping ban.
The Russian former world number one was this week refused a wildcard for the French Open following her 15-month ban for taking meldonium.
“Because of my improved ranking after the first three tournaments of my return, I will also be playing the qualifying of Wimbledon in Roehampton, and will not be requesting a wildcard into the main draw,” said Sharapova on her website.
The 30-year-old was controversially handed a wildcard for next month’s WTA grasscourt event in Birmingham, a key warm-up for Wimbledon with eight of the world’s top 10 set to take part, including world number one Angelique Kerber.
“A few months ago I received a wildcard offer from Birmingham, one of my most memorable tournaments as a young player. I am so grateful and excited to be playing this event again,” she said.