Sharapova to play US Open after doping suspension

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, winner of five major tournaments, will play her first Grand Slam since serving a 15-month doping suspension after receiving an invitation on Tuesday to play the US Open.

The 30-year-old player, ranked 148th in the WTA rankings, withdrew from the Toronto and current Cincinnati tournaments, the events leading up to the US Open, after suffering a left forearm injury in Stanford.

The former world number one won the US Open in 2006, as well as the Australian Open in 2008, Wimbledon in 2014, and Roland Garros in 2012 and 2014.

But at the 2016 Australian Open, she tested positive for Meldonium and was suspended by the International Tennis Federation, a ban that ended last April.

Since then, Maria Sharapova has needed wildcard entries to get into tournaments, generating criticism from some of her colleagues.

After missing Wimbledon due to a thigh injury, Maria Sharapova played her first match in the United States since March 2015 in Stanford, defeating American Jennifer Brady 6-1, 4-6, and 6-0.

But in that match, Maria Sharapova suffered the forearm injury that has kept her sidelined since then, even after making it to Cincinnati, hoping to play with a wildcard, in the most important tune-up before the US Open.

"Following the doctor's advice, as a precaution for the US Open, unfortunately I am withdrawing from the tournament (Cincinnati) after the left forearm injury I suffered in Stanford," said Maria Sharapova.

The US Open will take place from August 28 to September 10.