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Maria Sharapova opts against Wimbledon wildcard request to enter qualifying

Maria Sharapova will enter Wimbledon qualifying rather than request a main-draw wildcard as she continues her comeback from a 15-month drug ban.

The 30-year-old Russian was denied a wildcard for the French Open, with tournament officials saying her doping suspension counted against her.

Sharapova will have to win through three qualifying rounds to earn a spot in Wimbledon's 128-strong main draw.

Qualifying in Roehampton will be ticketed for the first time this year.

"Because of my improved ranking after the first three tournaments of my return, I will also be playing the qualifying of Wimbledon in Roehampton, and will not be requesting a wild card into the main draw," said Sharapova in a statement on her website.