Tennis star lost minimal required quota to stay in the ranking list
Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova, who is currently under suspension on doping-related charges, will return to the ranking list of the Women Tennis Association (WTA) following her performance at three official tournaments next year, a senior official with the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) told TASS on Oct. 24.
According to the newly published weekly ranking list of the WTA, former World’s No.1 Sharapova dropped out of the global top-100 female tennis players.
"Sharapova’s departure from the WTA ranking list is a matter of technical details," RTF Vice President Alexei Selivanenko said in an interview with TASS. "She needs to take part in at least three tournaments in order to regain her stance in the ranking list."
"She lost the minimal required quota (to stay in the ranking list) of three tournaments since she had not played since the beginning of this year," Selivanenko said. "However, she will resume playing next year and, as soon she competes in three tournaments she will be back in the ranking list."
Sharapova removed from Women's Tennis Rankings
"There are no doubts that she will be granted wild-cards from tournaments’ organizers and she will return to the ranking list," he added.
Sharapova, who is currently under suspension over anti-doping rules violations, have been allowed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to play at exhibition matches before her ban expires.
The tennis player has been serving a two-year suspension for the violation of anti-doping regulations since Jan. 26. However, the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled Oct. 4 to reduce her suspension term from 24 to 15 months.
The Russian player is now eligible to officially return back to tennis courts starting April 26 next year.
Source: TASS