Maria Sharapova wins first WTA title since drugs ban
14:38 15 October, 2017Maria Sharapova has clinched her first WTA title since returning from a drugs ban after beating Aryna Sabalenka to win the Tianjin Open.
The five-time grand slam champion, a tournament wildcard, overcame the Belarusian teenager Sabalenka 7-5, 7-6 (8) in a straight-sets victory on Sunday.
Sharapova, who made her comeback in April, is celebrating her first title since she won the Italian Open back in May 2015. She trailed the world No102 Sabalenka 4-1 and 5-1 in the first and second sets. But the 30-year-old Russian, who did not drop a set en route to Sunday’s final, fought back on each occasion to claim her first title in 29 months.
Sharapova served a 15-month ban after she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.
© 2024 NEWS.am - Sport
The copyright for information published on this web site is owned exclusively by Armenian News-NEWS.am information-analytical agency. All information materials published on this website are intended solely for personal use. For full or partial reproduction of any material in other media it is required to acquire written permission from Armenian News-NEWS.am information-analytical agency. Those, who have committed copyright violations, will be prosecuted accordingly.