Maria Sharapova requests wildcard for Sydney International

RUSSIAN tennis star Maria Sharapova has asked for a wildcard for next month's Sydney International.

Sharapova will contest the Auckland Classic from January 3-8 before deciding whether to contest the event.

Event director Craig Watson will give the former world No. 1 until the eve of the draw to commit to the January 9-15 hardcourt tournament.

"I would love to see her in the draw and so would her legion of fans in Sydney," Watson said.

"I received a message from Maria's agent asking if a wildcard could be held for her if she decided to play.

"I believe the court surface and facilities will be of great benefit to her as she prepares for the Australian Open."

Sharapova, 23, has never played in Sydney and her appearance would add more star power to a line-up that already features the world's top three - Caroline Wozniacki, Vera Zvonareva and Kim Clijsters, as well as Australian No. 1 Sam Stosur.

Seven of the world's top 10 women are venturing to Sydney.

Sharapova was the first Russian woman to be ranked No. 1 in the world.

Her three major titles - among a career tally of 22 - came at Wimbledon in 2004, the US Open in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2008.

Ranked 18th, Sharapova made a comeback this year from career-threatening shoulder surgery.