Murray expects Sharapova to get Wimbledon wildcard

Wellington [New Zealand], May 3 (ANI): While Maria Sharapova is still waiting to hear if she can play at the French Open, world number one Andy Murray has said that he expects the Russian tennis player to receive a wildcard for Wimbledon qualifying if she fails to make it through her ranking. Last month, Sharapova made a comeback on the tennis court from her 15-month doping ban to reach the semifinals at the Stuttgart Open, but she failed to gain enough points to qualify for Roland Garros. Whether Sharapova will receive a wildcard at Roland Garros will be known on May 15 , just a week before qualifying begins for the second major of the season, which is slated to be held from May 28 to June 11. The five-time Grand Slam champion had earlier also received wild cards for Madrid (May 7-13) and Rome (May 15-21) tournaments. However, Murray remains confident that the Russian player would be on the grasscourts of south-west London. "I think there's a good chance Wimbledon would give her one (a wildcard) to get into qualifying," Stuff.co.nz quoted Murray as saying. "I think we've got to wait and see what happens because there might not even be a decision to be made because she might be in the main draw after Madrid or Rome, so there's a good chance she can get in by right," said Murray while attending an event for June's Aegon Championships tournament at the Queen's Club in London. Sharapova can only qualify for the main draw of the Wimbledon if she manages to reach the semifinals of either the Madrid or Rome tournaments. The rankings deadline for Wimbledon qualification is May 29. (ANI)