Sharapova to be reinstated as UN goodwill ambassador
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Tennis star Maria Sharapova will be reinstated as United Nations goodwill ambassador after her doping suspension ends in April, the UN announced on Thursday. The Russian was initially banned for two years before CAS reduced her sentence by nine months.
Sharapova, who has won five Grand Slam singles titles in a 16-year career, began her association with the UN in 2007 as an ambassador for their Development Programme (UNDP). However, the UN dropped her from the list following her doping scandal.
"The UNDP is glad to learn that Maria Sharapova can return to the sport she loves sooner than expected and we will lift the suspension of her role as our goodwill ambassador once the reduced ban expires," a UN statement said.
The former world No 1 , who resides in the United States, is expected to return to competition ahead of the French Open.
