TENNIS : MARIA SHARAPOVA SET FOR COMEBACK AFTER DOPING BAN !

TENNIS : MARIA SHARAPOVA SET FOR COMEBACK AFTER DOPING BAN !

Tennis Superstar Maria Sharapova is set to comeback this April following a high profile 15-month suspension from tennis for doping.

Her comeback -- seems so eagerly anticipated -- she was prematurely put in a tournament draw long before her suspension ends.

And, just 24 hours after her suspension expires, Sharapova will immediately see action in court -- tennis court, of course.

Sharapova, the richest female athlete in the world, was slapped with a 2-year suspension after a positive drug test at the Australian Open in January of 2016.

She filed an appeal, and her suspension was subsequently reduced to 15 months.

Sharapova later admitted taking Meldonium, a banned substance, for at least 10 years in her career.

It was for her diabetes, or other health reasons, she claimed.

Meldonium is a performance-enhancing drug. It increases oxygen movement to muscles, and so could enhance stamina and endurance, especially for athletes.

Meldonium was added in the list of banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in January 2016.

An alarming number of athletes had been using this drug, intentionally to enhance performance, it was revealed recently.

There were already at least 124 cases of positive drug tests for Meldonium on the WADA list -- and is growing.

Maria Sharapova will compete for the first time, after her doping ban, in April at the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany.

The tournamnet kicks off April 22, 2017 -- 3 days before Sharapova's suspension ends.

Just 24 hours later, she will be out on Porsche Arena's clay court for action.

Tennis anti-doping rules prohibit suspended players from being granted accreditation or access to tournaments.

But ludicrously, there are no clear or specific rules prohibiting Sharapova -- or any suspended players, for that matter -- from being placed in the draw, and wait until their suspension expires.

Regardless, Sharapova expressed excitement to be back in action.

'I could not be happier to have my first match back on tour,' said the 5-Time Grand Slam Champion.

.@MariaSharapova will return to #WTA tennis at @PorscheTennis on April 26--> https://t.co/jLag60JmoN pic.twitter.com/DKFCpcP4FQ
— WTA (@WTA) January 10, 2017

She's back! @MariaSharapova will return to professional #tennis at the 40th #PTGP in #Stuttgart on April 26 ✨🚗🎾 #GoForIt #40Love pic.twitter.com/p0iySI1KZ4
— Porsche Tennis (@PorscheTennis) January 10, 2017

Maria Sharapova – comeback at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix!
Fans of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix can look forward to...
Posted by Porsche Tennis Grand Prix on Tuesday, 10 January 2017

Maria Sharapova has announced her return to professional tennis after a 15-month doping ban.
Full story https://t.co/4y7gQAD7Ci pic.twitter.com/JwDDLQKy2t
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 10, 2017

April 26, Stuttgart #ISeeYou pic.twitter.com/AHtplrpJPk
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) January 10, 2017

"I could not be happier to have my first match back on tour at one of my favorite tournaments" — Maria Sharapova https://t.co/MZZskNAzlV
— CNN Sport (@cnnsport) January 11, 2017

Maria Sharapova to return from doping ban in April https://t.co/2ceS2GKFhv pic.twitter.com/4yKVl0kSnL
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) January 10, 2017

Maria Sharapova to make her return at Stuttgart despite tournament starting four days BEFORE her 15-month ban ends https://t.co/WSOAZv3irf pic.twitter.com/0NLRmypbE7
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) January 10, 2017

.@MariaSharapova confirms April return after 15-month absence from competitive tennis
Report: https://t.co/Ub3DjbthWb pic.twitter.com/mG7JAKhiNo
— FirstpostSports (@FirstpostSports) January 10, 2017

After her ban expires on a Tuesday in April, Maria Sharapova will make her return ASAP, on a Wednesday in Stuttgart. https://t.co/lL2b8YhAwQ
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 11, 2017

On the set of @headtennis 😉
A video posted by Maria Sharapova (@mariasharapova) on Jan 10, 2017 at 2:24pm PST

Great news! Comeback at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix! @mariasharapova #teamsharapova #tennis #comeback #sharafamily
A photo posted by PorscheTennis (@porschetennis) on Jan 10, 2017 at 1:40am PST

Such a busy 🐝🎾😊@head_tennis pic.twitter.com/OgKzzKGqYm
— Team Sharapova (@team_sharapova) January 11, 2017

Getting a fun workout in today with @Supergoop and friends. New Year, new healthy habits start now 😊😉😎#protectyourposse #SPF pic.twitter.com/OBMjNIXkC9
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) January 11, 2017

Maria Sharapova's Body Still Rock Hard During Tennis Suspension (PHOTO GALLERY) https://t.co/Z6EiM6OYwJ
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 3, 2017

Got a fun workout in today with Supergoop and friends. New Year, new healthy habits! I'll be taking over Supergoop's...
Posted by Maria Sharapova on Tuesday, 10 January 2017

This rosemary-infused mist is the perfect match for long days on the court. Broad spectrum UV protection delivered in a refreshing mist, so I can reapply without missing a beat. Thanks for following along today! I hope these tips make for a #sunsafe 2017 🙌🏼☀️👊🏼 #supergoop365
A video posted by Supergoop! (@supergoop) on Jan 11, 2017 at 3:27pm PST

Who doesn’t love a pick-me-up? Perk Up Lip & Cheek Treat is my favorite new Supergoop! Product. It gives my lips and cheeks the perfect sun kissed rose color while protecting me from UV rays ☀️ #supergoop365
A photo posted by Supergoop! (@supergoop) on Jan 11, 2017 at 1:50pm PST

Just a goofy throwback to my week in Hawaii with my friends. This cabana striped two-in-one Sunscreen has an SPF 30 Lip Balm right in the cap. It’s called ‘Perfect Day’ so I did my little perfect-day dance. #ShakeIt #Supergoop365
A video posted by Supergoop! (@supergoop) on Jan 11, 2017 at 12:02pm PST

Our favorite #ladybosses @mariasharapova & @hollythaggard striking a pose before our #protectyourposse event! #happyhealthysupergoop
A photo posted by Supergoop! (@supergoop) on Jan 10, 2017 at 10:25am PST