MARIA SHARAPOVA’S dream return to Wimbledon turned into a nightmare with humiliating defeat in the Russian derby.
Vitalia Diatchenko’s first ever Grand Slam win on grass came against the one-time darling of SW19 who has suffered another massive blow in her bid for redemption.
Maria Sharapova had a nightmare return to Wimbledon
Maria Sharapova had a nightmare return to WimbledonCredit: Reuters
Maria Sharapova was dumped out by a fellow Russian on Court 2
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Maria Sharapova was dumped out by a fellow Russian on Court 2Credit: PA:Press Association
Sharapova’s last match at Wimbledon was the 2015 semi-final after which she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium resulting in a 15 month ban.
The 2004 champion also skipped last year because of injury and is now agonising over the worst defeat of her career here.
Sharapova, who has earned in excess of £30 million from tennis, had never gone out in the first round at Wimbledon in her career before last night.
To make matters worse controversial Sharapova, 31, was a set and 5-2 up before crumbling on the cusp of victory.
