The UN Development Programme has confirmed that Maria Sharapova will continue her role as a goodwill ambassador when her doping ban expires in April.
Sharapova was initially suspended for two years after testing positive for meldonium earlier this year, but the ban was reduced to 15 months at the beginning of October.
The five-time Grand Slam winner had been dropped as a UN ambassador following her suspension, but she will resume her duties upon her return to action.
"UNDP was glad to learn that Maria Sharapova can return to the sport she loves sooner than expected and we will lift the suspension of her role as our goodwill ambassador once the reduced ban expires in April 2017," a spokesperson for the organisation told The Guardian.
"We understand that Ms Sharapova will be focused on resuming her tennis career and we look forward to discussing her role and engagement with UNDP at an appropriate date."
The reduction of Sharapova's ban means that she will be available in time for the 2017 French Open.
Barney Corkhill
