Maria Sharapova Wins First French Open Since 2015, Doping Scandal

14:33 GMT, 29 May 2018

Sharapova tested positive for meldonium and was banned in January 2016, during the Australian Open and was disqualified for two years. However, Sharapova won an appeal, reducing the suspension to 15 months. She still questions whether meldonium should be on the list, arguing there is "no proof" of its performance-enhancing effects.

Sputnik

Two-time champion Maria Sharapova made a serious performance, claiming a 6:1, 4:6, 6:3 victory over Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp in her first French Open match since 2015 on Tuesday.

Sharapova, the 28th seed, will face Croatia's Donna Vekic in the second round.

Sharapova became No. 1 in the world for the first time in 2005 at the age of 18. She has obtained 36 singles titles and five Grand Slam titles — two at the French Open and one each at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open — ranking her third among active players, behind Serena and Venus Williams.