Maria Sharapova invited to play at Rogers Cup in Toronto

Maria Sharapova has been awarded her latest wild card by the organisers of August's Rogers Cup in Canada.

The five-time Grand Slam winner last played in the WTA Tour event in Toronto three years ago,

This hard court tournament is part of the build-up towards the final Grand Slam event of the year in New York, which starts on August 28 at Flushing Meadows.

Sharapova, who recently turned 30, said: "I'm really looking forward to coming back to Canada.

"This is one of the biggest events of the year and I hope to play my best tennis that week."

The Russian has just returned to competitive sport after testing positive for the banned drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.

Ranked No 173 in the world, she made her comeback last month in Stuttgart where she reached the semi-finals.

Tournament director Karl Hale added: "Maria is a Grand Slam champion and a fans' favourite.

"She has served her suspension and we know our guests will be excited to see her play."

Sharapova reached the final of the Rogers Cup in 2009 and this year the tournament will be played from August 7-13.

However, Sharapova will have to survive qualifying if she wants to compete at Wimbledon where she won the ladies singles in 2004 at the age of 17.

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