Sharapova in dark over Wimbledon wildcard

Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova’s hopes of playing at this year’s championships could hinge on a June 20 meeting of tournament organisers unless the Russian hits form in forthcoming events in Madrid and Rome.

Sharapova, who returned last week after a 15-month ban for an anti-doping violation, could still climb high enough in the WTA rankings to earn a spot in the main draw or Wimbledon qualifying tournament at Roehampton.

Failing that the 2004 champion would need a wildcard, either into the main draw or the qualifying event which takes place a week before the championship begins.

“We have a long-standing tried and tested process (for awarding wildcards) in the week before qualifying and this year is no different,” All England Club chairman Philip Brook said at a news conference on Wednesday.

“First we will see if Maria applies for a wildcard and if so we will consider her case alongside everyone else’s.

“It will be a decision for the group on the day.”

Sharapova reached the semi-finals in Stuttgart last week as a wildcard entrant, playing her first tournament since her ban for taking the prohibited substance meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. Her world ranking rose to No.262.

The cut-off date to enter Wimbledon’s main draw is May 22, the day after the conclusion of the Rome tournament in which Sharapova has been handed another wildcard.

The cut-off for entry to the qualifying event is June 5.

A strong performance from the former world No.1 in Rome, and in Madrid the week before where she has also been handed a wildcard, would likely elevate Sharapova high enough in the WTA rankings to enter Wimbledon on merit.

That would potentially spare the All England Club a tough decision as they are already without defending champion Serena Williams, who is pregnant.

Several players, including former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki and former Wimbledon runner-up Eugenie Bouchard, have been highly critical of tournament organisers handing five-time grand slam champion Sharapova wildcards.

But Sharapova remains one of the biggest names in the sport and has the pedigree to challenge for the title.

The 30-year-old is also sweating on being handed a wildcard for the French Open. A decision on that is expected on May 16.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!