Sharapova leaves a mark on her return

Bengaluru, September 4: Despite a fourth-round exit, Russian diva Maria Sharapova left a lasting impression on her return to Grand Slams from the 15-month doping ban.

At the US Open, sometimes the former world No.1's outfit sparkled even if her play did not, but the glamour girl'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 the 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.

Sharapova's US Open ended with a 7-5, 4-6, 2-6 loss to Latvian Anastasija Sevastova on Sunday, but her week-long run will help polish the Russian's tarnished brand.

The 30-year-old took to Twitter to express her feelings.

I ❤️'d every minute, every day, every match! Thank you, New York and the @usopen 🤗 pic.twitter.com/SQzCjcij8P
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) September 4, 2017

Not everyone at Flushing Meadows was enamoured though with the comeback.

While the fans welcomed her with open arms and standing ovations, there was a chill among a group of players including former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki who believe the five-time Grand Slam champion was accorded special treatment due to her profile and marketability.

Sharapova must have been was unable to deliver extended stretches of brilliant tennis in New York, but all said and done, there was every sign that the 30-year-old is set to climb back up the rankings and reclaim her spot as one of the best paid women athletes.

(With agency inputs).