Maria Sharapova set for long-awaited return following extended injury layoff

WTA Tour
Maria Sharapova shouting

Maria Sharapova is set to play competitive tennis for the first time in more than four months after accepting a wildcard entry to compete at the Mallorca Open.

The five-time Grand Slam winner has not played since she pulled out her second-round match at the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy at the end of January.

She underwent a “small procedure” on her shoulder in February and was initially expected to make her return before the French Open, but ended up skipping the entire clay-court season.

However, she is now on course to make her return at the Mallorca Open, which starts on June 17.

“I’m so happy to be able to announce that I’m going to accept a wildcard into the Mallorca Open,” the Russian said in a statement. “I want to thank the tournament for the opportunity it’s given me and for my incredible fans who have been supporting me these past months.”

She will be joined in the field by fellow former world No 1s Angelique Kerber and Victoria Azarenka.

“As the tournament director of the Mallorca Open and a mallorquín, I am thrilled to welcome the best stars of the tennis sky, such as Maria Sharapova, Angelique Kerber and Victoria Azarenka, to this WTA tournament that we’re hosting on our beautiful island,” tournament director Toni Nadal said.

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