Despite her drug suspension, which was announced in March, Maria Sharapova was named in Russia’s provisional Olympic team. The Russian Tennis Federation named four players with the five-time major champion headlining the team. She is included in the team along with Daria Kasatkina, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
If Sharapova is deemed unable to play, her place would be taken by lefty Ekaterina Makarova, who likely will be traveling to Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics as a member of Russia’s doubles teams, pairing with her current partner, Elena Vesnina as Russia’s top doubles team.
Russia’s Chances
With how the Russians have been playing this year, it is likely that they have a good shot at battling for a spot on the podium. With the right draw, teenage sensation Daria Kasatkina can make some noise, however, with this being the Olympics, the draw will be very diluted with very good players.
Svetlana Kuznetsova has enjoyed a resurgent 2016 which has seen her work her way back inside the top 15 of the world. She is capable of beating any player on any given day and has even defeated Serena Williams earlier this year in Miami.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova provides the smallest chance of being a major Russian threat. Despite possessing the weapons to hit anyone off the court, her second serve and lack of consistency will be one of her major downfalls.
For Maria Sharapova, it will really come down to how much match play she can get in before the Rio Games. The announcement of how long she should be suspended should be coming soon, however, if she is suspended, for less than the expected six months or even one year that many expect, she’ll be raring to go. Sharapova was suspended provisionally on March 12th so for her to be eligible to play, she’ll need to be suspended for less than five months as Olympic tennis begins on August 6th.