It’s Maria, all the way

New York: Maria Sharapova's outfit sparkled even if her play sometimes didn't during her grand slam return at the US Open but the former world number one's run to the fourth round showed she is back in business on and off the court.

Playing her first Grand Slam since returning from a 15-month doping ban, Sharapova proved a polarising presence at Flushing Meadows, feted by adoring fans but vilified in the small corners of the players' locker room.

For television rights holders and the United States Tennis Association (USTA), seeing Sharapova's name on the entry list was akin to winning the lottery, guaranteeing a bump in ratings and capacity crowds at the 23,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium.
With the tournament ravaged by injuries and withdrawals, the Russian's return provided a splash of glitz and glamour.

She strolled onto floodlit Arthur Ashe as if on a catwalk, wearing a jet black dress that sparkled with Swarovski crystals for her opening match against Simona Halep and duly dumped the second seed out of the tournament.

"Her doping transgression was not terribly egregious, neither performance-enhancing nor intentional, and her ban seemed unduly harsh," Bob Dorfman of Baker Street Advertising said.

"I suspect that’s why Nike suspended their relationship, but did not drop her. And with their number one endorser Serena Williams off the court indefinitely, expecting her first child, Sharapova’s first Grand Slam event since her return is a grand opportunity for Nike to capitalise on America’s love for comeback performances."

While the fans welcomed her with open arms and standing ovations, there was a chill among some players who believe the five-time Grand Slam champion was given special treatment due to her marketability.

“Like most controversial athletes, she has staunch defenders, as well as those that revile her actions," said David Carter, principal of the Sports Business Group, For 11 straight years, she topped the Forbes list before slipping to second last year and dropping from the list completely for 2017.