Maria Sharapova returns to tennis after 15-month drug ban

Maria Sharapova returned to professional tennis in a training session on Wednesday, after she was banned for doping. Sharapova was banned from playing tennis last year after she tested positive for the illegal drug, meldonium. She was originally given a two-year ban, but it was later reduced to 15-months. Her return was criticized by other professional tennis players, but was defended by Steve Simon, Chief Executive of the Women's Tennis Association. "You have to look at how other league and tours have handled players who have come back. They come right back to the team and start playing... She is starting at ground zero." Simon told BBC Sport Sharapova is scheduled to play in the opening round of the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart against Roberta Vinci.