Maria Sharapova wins on return from ban

Maria Sharapova made a winning comeback to the tour following her 15-month doping ban.

The former world number one beat Italian Roberta Vinci in straight sets in the first round of the Stuttgart Grand Prix.

.MariaSharapova advances to PorscheTennis Second round!

Tops Vinci 7-5, 6-3! #PTGP2017 pic.twitter.com/ivXjFLs8IR

— WTA (@WTA) April 26, 2017

The 30-year-old Russian received a controversial wild card for the German tournament, having had no ranking points after more than a year out following her suspension.

This feeling is everything!! Thank you!!❤️ pic.twitter.com/J7UNBs4Jqi

— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) April 26, 2017

She made a nervous start, but found her strokes to power past the world number 36, 7-5 6-3.

She will now play fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the second round.

“I've been waiting for this moment for a long time!” – MariaSharapova #PTGP2017 pic.twitter.com/08SnpcMPuK

— WTA (WTA) April 26, 2017