Sharapova out to silence detractors

NEW YORK - Former world No 1 Maria Sharapova makes her first Grand Slam appearance next week since serving a 15-month doping suspension, bringing renewed passion and resolve to the US Open.

The 30-year-old Russian was given a wildcard into the tournament by the US Tennis Association, a move critics complained about earlier in the season, but another key step in the road back for the five-time Grand Slam winner.

"When it comes to tennis, good or bad - there's really only one thing that I know for certain - I've missed it," Sharapova wrote on the Players' Tribune website.