Maria Sharapova to learn if she can play in French Open on week of May 15

Maria Sharapova will find out if she will be eligible to take part in the 2017 French Open on the week of 15 May, according to the the French Tennis Federation (FTT).

The former world number one will return from a 15-month suspension at next week's Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, which is just one of a couple of tournaments where Sharapova has received wild cards.

The five-time Grand Slam champion was previously suspended for two years after testing positive for meldonium during the 2016 Australian Open in January.

However, the ban was eventually reduced to just 15 months in October 2016 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Her impending return has caused a divide in the tennis world with certain players and ex players ready to welcome her back while others believe she does not deserve the wild cards and should work her way back.

Along with the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Sharapova has also accepted wild cards for the Mutua Madrid Open and Italian Open, both of which commence in May. With the French Open and Wimbledon approaching, the two events must now decide whether or not to hand the 29-year-old a wild card.

The FTT told The Associated Press that "the decision will be taken the week of (Monday) May 15," without giving further details with regard to the Russian's possible participation in the French Open.

As for Wimbledon, there is no update though the Lawn Tennis Association confirmed last month that Sharapova was yet to receive a wild card offer for any of the upcoming British grass-court events in the buildup to Wimbledon.

However, If Sharapova manages to reach two semi-finals in the three events she has received a wild card for, she will then automatically earn a place in the pre-Wimbledon events in Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne as well as the Wimbledon tournament.