Thursday 2 March 2017 12:36, UK
Maria Sharapova has been given a wildcard to play in the Italian Open in May, a month after she is due to return from a 15-month ban for doping.
Sharapova has not played on tour since testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.
An initial two-year ban by the International Tennis Federation was reduced to 15 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"We officially announce the wild card for the 3-time Rome champion @MariaSharapova into the main draw," organisers announced on Twitter.
The Rome tournament runs from May 15-21. Sharapova has also been handed a wildcard for the Madrid Open, which takes place between May 6 and May 13.
