Five-time Grand Slam champion, Maria Sharapova, have been handed a wild card entry to the 2017 US Open.

Sharapova, who tested positive to heart disease drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open, will participate in her first grand slam since her 15 months doping ban.

.@MariaSharapova is part of the field that will receive a wild card for the 2017 #USOpen. See entire women’s list: https://t.co/9VfuwCcyoM pic.twitter.com/hb2RUVK6z7

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 15, 2017

The 30-year-old Russian pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters as “a precaution for the US Open”, and was also eligible to play at last month’s Wimbledon due to her world ranking but missed out through injury.

A delighted Sharapova thanked the US Open for the opportunity, describing it as “special”.

Thank you, @usopen. This is so so special. #goosebumps https://t.co/MnolaaqKsN

— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) August 15, 2017

The US Open will commence from 28 August until 10 September at Flushing Meadows.