Sharapova handed Brisbane International wildcard

Tuesday, 31 December 2019 17:40

Maria Sharapova has accepted a wildcard to join the Brisbane International in January.

Despite dropping to No 133 in the world ranking due to a nagging shoulder injury, the 32-year-old is convinced of making a comeback in 2020.

The five-time grand slam champion said retirement was never on her radar.

"To be fair when I was younger I never saw myself playing past 30," Sharapova said.

"(And) I don't think my surgically repaired shoulder will ever be perfect.

"But I still feel there is a lot in me to give. I still have a lot of fire in me.

"As long as the shoulder stays healthy and my body allows me to I hope there is a lot of time left for me."

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