Maria Sharapova has won her first WTA title after her drugs ban.

She defeated Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-6 (10-8) at the Tianjin Open to win the title.

The Russian made a comeback to the tour in April following a 15-month ban for taking the banned substance meldonium, having tested positive at the 2016 Australian Open.

And after an injury-hit year, she has now lifted her first crown since her return in what was a battling win.

The win will give the 30-year-old world No. 86 hope that she is getting back to her best, in what’s been a difficult return, while she will rise to 57 in the rankings.

Azeez