Maria Sharapova was second favourite to win French Open before being denied wildcard entry
Russian won the Grand Slam twice in 2012 and two years later
MARIA SHARAPOVA was second favourite to win the French Open for a third time… only to be told that she won’t be allowed the play.
The former world No.1 has been denied a wildcard entry at Roland Garros this year as she returns from her drugs ban.
Sharapova returned to court for the first time in 15 months in April after traces of banned substance meldonium were found in a routine drugs test.
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But as it looked as though the 30-year-old would be given a wildcard entry to the French Grand Slam, bookmakers had her as second favourite to claim a famous victory.
Simona Halep remains favourite at around 9/2 but Sharapova could have been backed at 6/1.
The Russian was victorious at Roland Garros in both 2012 and 2014 but has not featured in a Grand Slam since the Australian Open last year.
Speaking of his decision not to award Sharapova a wildcard entry, President of the French Tennis Federation Bernard Giudicelli Ferrandini, said: “No-one can deny her the two titles, but according to the rules, we couldn’t give her a wildcard.
“She had committed a violation of the tennis programme and had to be suspended for 15 months. Today this is over, she can take her path.
“But if there can be a wildcard for people returning from injuries, there cannot be a wildcard for players returning from doping.
“I am very sorry for Maria, and for her fans, she might be disappointed, but it is my mission to protect the game and to protect the high standards, and to prevent any doubt on the result.
“That’s the decision.”
Sharapova has already jumped back into the top 200, but has guaranteed a spot at Wimbledon qualifying for the SW19 tournament this summer.