Nadal hits 50, Pliskova P23 races through SPORTS 2424 Tuesday, September 5, 2017

New York Association’s decision was me.” Sevastova, a quarter- aria Sharapova not met with universal finalist in New York also in described her return approval. 2016, said she was happy to Mto centre-stage Former world see Sharapova playing again after a 15-month doping number one Caroline and that she felt no desire to ban as “a great ride” despite Wozniacki claimed it was prove a point on behalf of Sharapova her US Open campaign “unacceptable” for a player her peers. ending in the fourth round with a doping suspension to “I think some players Sunday. be given prime-time spots have that. I don’t have that. The former world on the prestigious Arthur I have great respect for her,” number one and five-time Ashe Stadium. said the 26-year-old. major winner fell 5-7, 6-4, Sharapova played all of Sharapova needed 6-2 to Latvian 16th seed her four matches in the treatment on a blistered Anastasija Sevastova. 24,000-capacity arena right hand in the final set It was her first appearance including her first-round but she insisted it was not a at a Slam since the 2016 defeat of world number two factor in her defeat. , where she . Her statistics, however, failed a drugs test and was Sharapova insisted made for sober reading -- kicked out of the sport until Sunday that she had nothing 42 winners and 51 unforced April this year. to prove to her critics. errors to only 14 by “It’s been a really great “I feel like I’m really Sevastova, whose 21 winners ousted ride in the last week,” said beyond that,” she said. “I were half Sharapova’s total. the 30-year-old Russian. think there’s only a way Next on the schedule “Ultimately I can take a to show it on the court, for Sharapova is the WTA lot from this week. It’s great because that’s what really event in Beijing at the end of to get that major out of the matters to me. September as she attempts way. It was an incredible “I have so many things in to build her ranking to opportunity. I’m very my life but there’s a desire ensure direct entry into the at US Open thankful for it. I did my to keep going for more . best. I can be proud of that.” and to keep living through In April next year, Sharapova, the world these moments out on these Sharapova will be 31 and she number 146, had needed courts. admitted that she has even a wild card into the “That’s special and that’s surprised herself to be still tournament, where she was meaningful. As long as I playing even considering Russia’s Maria champion in 2006. have that desire, I’ll be there. her enforced absence from Sharapova leaves The US That’s what’s important to the sport. the court

Anastasija Sevastova of shakes hands with of Russia after defeating her in their women’s singles fourth round

Hon.Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Responsible Editor Mahmood AI Mahmood | Managing Editor Soman Baby | Managing Director P. Unnikrishnan | Adviser Med Jones Advt : Strategic Publicity & Advertising Co.W.L.L | Tel: 17270710, Fax17256470, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 17579911, Fax17250150, Email: [email protected] Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing | Subscription & circulation: Tel: 38444698/17579877/Fax17250150, Email:[email protected] | Website: www.dt.bh