Australian Open organisers defending Sharapova even before a serve has been made

Craig Tiley says Maria Sharapova deserving of draw ceremony invite

Craig Tiley says Maria Sharapova deserving of draw ceremony invite

If Johanna Konta wants to win her first grand slam title in the country where she was born - and she is among a slew of contenders hoping the absence of the title holder, Serena Williams, will open up the draw over the next fortnight - she may have to beat the 2008 champion, Maria Sharapova, to reach the final.

Sharapova missed the tournament last year because she was serving a 15-month suspension, having failed a drugs test here two years ago.

With Kerber still competing at a tournament in Sydney, Tiley was happy to call on Sharapova.

Maria Sharapova carried the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup into the Australian Open draw ceremony, much to the disbelief of those watching. "We were happy she accepted our invite. She deserved the opportunity".

When asked if Sharapova's inclusion and the grand way in which she was unveiled had been appropriate, Tiley added: "In fairness to Maria, the adjudication has occurred on that".

Finance minister issues order in response to North Korean money-laundering fears
China has opposed the Vancouver conference and said it would hurt, not help, steps to get North Korea to stop its nuclear program. He said that China has always supported global anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of mutual respect.

3 matchups the Falcons must win vs. Eagles
Although it's a paid service, ESPN Watch also grants access to all the Eagles games, but you need an existing TV provider. With the Eagles , Ajayi has rushed for 408 yards and one touchdown, second best behind running back LeGarrette Blount .

Air Products & Chemicals Inc (NYSE:APD) Shifting Institutional Investors Sentiment
Credit Suisse maintained Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. "(APD)" was reported by Week Herald and is owned by of Week Herald. The firm earned "In-Line" rating on Tuesday, October 17 by Evercore. (NYSE:APD) on Wednesday, September 6 with "Buy" rating.

Sharapova has climbed to 47th in the rankings as she continues to work her way back from her 15-month doping ban.

Sharapova was previously snubbed by the French Open previous year after they refused to hand her a wildcard on moral grounds.

"That is the ultimate goal but I realise the depth of the game", she said.

Should she progress, Sharapova is likely to face 14th seed Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia in the second round and fellow former champion Angelique Kerber in the third round. "It's for anyone to grab. I hope I put myself in that position". I have to back off sometimes and say this will take time. I had all these great five-setters and at the end the epic match against Rafa. I never contemplated retiring but when I was a teenager I never thought I'd play past 30 years old.

"It was a huge surprise".

Recommended News

  • Centurion Test: Proteas ask India to field first

    Centurion Test: Proteas ask India to field first

    It looks like a really lively pitch‚ which is exactly what we wanted it to be‚ Kohli said. # A great crowd at SuperSport Park. The tail-ender deflects the ball towards short fine for a single off the second legal delivery.
    DC's 'Shazam!' Is Coming to Theaters in Spring 2019

    DC's 'Shazam!' Is Coming to Theaters in Spring 2019

    Pictures officially confirmed this week that the release date for the Shazam movie is now set for April 5, 2019 release. The studio also announced that another untitled DC flick that was expected to arrive on July 27 is now off the calendar.
    CDC: Number of flu-related pediatric deaths rises to 20

    CDC: Number of flu-related pediatric deaths rises to 20

    The worst flu season in years is only getting worse, with 49 states now seeing widespread misery, US health officials report . It's no secret by now that the flu vaccine is not a good match with the H3N2 flu strain that is dominating the season.
  • Abbott Laboratories Target of Unusually High Options Trading (ABT)

    It is positive, as 20 investors sold MTG shares while 89 reduced holdings. 121 funds opened positions while 404 raised stakes. Also, EVP Daniel Gesua Sive Salvadori sold 96,603 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 23rd.
    Man Lost On Lake St. Clair Ice Lucky To Be Alive

    Man Lost On Lake St. Clair Ice Lucky To Be Alive

    The same Coast Guard helicopter will return to Brest Bay to continue the search, once it takes back off from Custer Airport. The Coast Guard issued a reminder of the importance of ice fishers having reliable communication and signaling gear.

    'Window closing' to find survivors in USA mudslide

    The mudslides and floodwaters have destroyed around 100 homes, with another 300 residences damaged, within Santa Barbara County . Many streets near the downtown area remain impassible for vehicles with pools of liquid mud up to two feet deep.
  • Amazon's Alexa Coming to Select Toyota, Lexus Models This Year

    The AR glasses will reportedly arrive in the second quarter with a cost around $1,000 (approximately Rs. 63,400). Toyota announced at CES on Tuesday that Amazon's Alexa would be integrated with its infotainment systems.
    Judge unseals search warrants in mass shooting in Las Vegas

    Judge unseals search warrants in mass shooting in Las Vegas

    According to CNN , the documents reveal a series of email exchanges that occurred just two months before the attack. The FBI returned to the house a week later for what officials called "redocumenting and rechecking".
    Steve Bannon Departs Breitbart News Following 'Fire and Fury' Comments

    Steve Bannon Departs Breitbart News Following 'Fire and Fury' Comments

    He issued a statement praising the president's eldest son, and says he regrets not having released it sooner. Miller called Bannon's comments in the book "out of touch with reality", "vindictive" and "grotesque".
  • Stock'S Earning Overview Kosmos Energy Ltd. (KOS)

    Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. TheStreet raised shares of Kosmos Energy from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a report on Friday, October 6th.
    WEX Inc. (NYSE:WEX)'s Valuation Review According to Quant

    WEX Inc. (NYSE:WEX)'s Valuation Review According to Quant

    Analysts predict that American States Water Company will post $1.62 EPS for the current fiscal year. (NYSE:DYN) for 1.33M shares. Manufacturers Life Insur The holds 192,422 shares. (NYSE:AZZ) has "Hold" rating given on Tuesday, January 10 by Stifel Nicolaus.
    'Last chance': Trump waives Iran sanctions, demands changes to 'disastrous' nuclear deal

    'Last chance': Trump waives Iran sanctions, demands changes to 'disastrous' nuclear deal

    Trump has argued behind the scenes that the nuclear deal makes the United States look weak, a senior US official said. If Trump's fixes aren't met within 120 days, the White House signaled that the deal would be nixed altogether.

We are pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news.
Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper.
Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.