LINZ, Austria - For the first time in 13 years, Maria Sharapova is set to return to Austria.
The five-time Grand Slam champion will compete in the Upper Austria Ladies' Linz in October, the tournament announced on Friday.
"I have so many great memories of the Linz tournament and I am really excited to be coming back to see many of my amazing fans," Sharapova said in a statement.
"I am very appreciative to the tournament and the sponsors and just very excited to play."
The Russian won the tournament in 2006, and has not competed at the European indoor event since then.
Very excited to see you back @WTALinz in a few weeks!!! #2006champ @MariaSharapova pic.twitter.com/o9FVuYhe97
— Barbara Schett-Eagle (@Babsschett) September 13, 2019
Sharapova won the tournament in her debut in 2006, beating Eleni Daniilidou, Ana Ivanovic, Patty Schnyder and Nadia Petrova to take the title.
The Upper Austria Ladies' Linz begins on Oct. 7.
