Sharapova doping ban reduced to 15 months by CAS

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has decided to reduce Maria Sharapova’s suspension to 15 months.

The Russian tennis superstar appealed the original two-year suspension that was handed out by the Tennis Anti-Doping Program last July. This means that she will be able to compete starting April 26, 2017.

Sharapova posted her response regarding the decision on her official social media accounts:

“In so many ways, I feel like something I love was taken away from me and it will feel really good to have it back. Tennis is my passion and I have missed it. I am counting the days until I can return to the court.”

In a statement, WTA CEO Steve Simon said: “The TADP has a comprehensive and fair process in place and we support the final result. We are pleased that the process is now at completion and can look forward to seeing Maria back on court in 2017.”