Tennis: Ex-No. 1 Maria Sharapova to return to action in Mallorca after recovering from shoulder injury

Former world No. 1 tennis star Maria Sharapova has not competed since she withdrew from a second-round match at the WTA St Petersburg Ladies Trophy in January. PHOTO: AFP

(REUTERS) - Former world No. 1 tennis star Maria Sharapova is set to return to the tour after accepting a wildcard entry at the Mallorca Open, four months after undergoing surgery on her right shoulder.

The Russian, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has not competed since she withdrew from a second-round match at the WTA St Petersburg Ladies Trophy in January and she skipped the entire clay-court season, including the French Open.

"I'm very happy... to announce that I'm going to accept the wild card to play the Mallorca Open," the 32-year-old said in a statement.

"I want to thank the tournament for the opportunity it gives me and all my incredible fans who have been supporting me in recent months."

The Mallorca Open, a warm-up grass-court tournament on the Spanish island for players before Wimbledon, begins on June 17 and the draw will also feature other former world No. 1s such as defending Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber and Victoria Azarenka.

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