PARIS: Former world number one Maria Sharapova will open her 2020 campaign in Brisbane after being awarded a wild card by organisers, the five-time major winner announced on Monday.
The 32-year-old Russian hasn´t played since a first round loss to career-long rival Serena Williams at the US Open in August.
"Hi Brisbane, I have missed you so much and I am so excited to start my season at your tournament and in your city," Sharapova said in a video message on her Instagram account.
"I´m looking forward to seeing you all in a couple of days."
Sharapova has slipped to 133 in the world rankings after a 2019 season plagued by a shoulder injury which limited her to just 15 competitive matches.
She won the Brisbane title in 2015.
This year´s tournament in the Australian city gets underway on Monday.
Phil Salt smashed a robust career-best 41-ball 88 not out to help England thrash Pakistan by eight wickets
The fast bowler was dropped from the team following his poor performance in the third T20I game
Shahzad Azam played 95 First-Class matches and took 388 wickets
Losing semi-finalists will each get $400,000 from the $5.6 million total prize pool
PCB says it has sent Naseem Shah home for complete rest after he tested positive for Covid-19
The two players helped the Green Shirts clinch a six-run victory with some brilliant showing last night
