Skip to content

LEAGUES News

Sharapova wins 1st title since return from drug suspension

REUTERS/Stringer

Maria Sharapova's back on the board.

The 30-year-old Russian earned her first title since returning from a drug ban, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to win the Tianjin Open on Sunday.

Sharapova served a reduced 15-month suspension after she tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open in 2016. Sunday's win was her first since she captured the Italian Open in 2015.

"I will always remember you," Sharapova tweeted of her 36th career singles championship.

"It is a special title and a special victory," she added, per the WTA's website. "It has been a couple of years since I have held the winner's trophy."

RELATED NEWS

Ryan Reaves and Mathieu Olivier drop the gloves 🥊💥
Olivier drops Reaves in must-see heavyweight tilt 🥊
Cap caps the dub with caps 🧢 #LetsGoOilers
McDavid nets hatty on milestone assist for Nugent-Hopkins
Make Team Czechia for the 2026 Winter Olympics ✅ Score overt...
Hertl's OT winner hands Jets 10th straight loss 😳
Steph on passing KG on the all-time scoring list…😤🗣️
Steph 'honored' to pass KG on all-time scoring list 🫡
Luka Magic finds LBJ! ✨ Luka and LeBron combine for 31 of t...
Luka, LeBron combine for epic alley-oop