Maria Sharapova has been granted a wild-card invitation for the US Open's main draw.

Sharapova is among eight women who were given entry into the 128-player field by the US Tennis Association on Tuesday - and by far the most noteworthy.

The former No. 1-ranked player and owner of five major titles, including at the 2006 US Open, will be participating in her first Grand Slam tournament in more than 1½ years.

Sharapova has not entered a major tournament since the Australian Open in January 2016, when she tested positive for the newly banned drug meldonium.

That led to a 15-month doping ban, which expired in April.

The US Open starts in Flushing Meadows on Aug. 28.

Source: Khaleej Times