Opinions divided on Sharapova as Slam return looms

New York: Rivals remain divided over Maria Sharapova as the former world number one from Russia prepares to return to Grand Slam tennis tomorrow at the US Open after a 15-month doping ban. The 30-year-old Russian received a wildcard into the field for the year's final Grand Slam event that starts on Monday on the New York hardcourts with the night feature match pitting Sharapova against Romania's second-ranked Simona Halep. "I don't think any tennis fan in the world is not going to have that match on," said US 15th seed Madison Keys. "We all knew it was inevitable she would be back in majors and playing. I'm sure this first round is going to be interesting. Everyone knew it was a possibility something like this would happen." Five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova was banned after testing positive for the blood boosting drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.