Fans of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix can look forward to Maria Sharapova making her eagerly-awaited return to professional tennis at the long-standing tournament in Stuttgart.

The 29-year old former world number one and five-time Grand Slam winner will play her first match in the Porsche Arena on April 26, the day she can start competing again at tournaments. Since the Australian Open in January 2016, she has not played a competitive match. She has received a wild card for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.

“I could not be happier to have my first match back on tour at one of my favourite tournaments,” said Maria Sharapova who won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in 2012, 2013 and 2014. “I can’t wait to see all my great fans and to be back doing what I love.”

“I’m really happy for Maria that she’s back after a long break. Particularly pleasing for me is that it’s going to be our audience that gets to watch her comeback live,” said tournament director Markus Günthardt. “Her return in the Porsche Arena is a fabulous present for our fantastic spectators and is certain to be one of the sporting and emotional highlights of our anniversary tournament.”

The 40th Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will be held from April 22-30. Headed by Angelique Kerber, the title-holder and world number one, eight top 10 players will be playing in the Porsche Arena.

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