'Cheater' Sharapova should be banned for life: Bouchard

Tennis star Eugenie Bouchard has branded rival Maria Sharapova a "cheater" who shouldn't be allowed to return to the sport.

Sharapova has sparked plenty of controversy by being granted a return to competition in Stuttgart this week, following her 15-month suspension for using the banned substance Meldonium.

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The Russian was given a wildcard to play in Stuttgart, where she has been champion three times, in a move which drew a barrage of criticism from rivals who believed she was receiving preferential treatment.

But in a brutal assessment, Bouchard went one step further by suggesting Sharapova should never have been allowed to return to the game.

"I don't think that's right. She's a cheater and so, to me, I don't think a cheater in any sport should be allowed to play that sport again," Bouchard said.

Bouchard says Sharapova should be banned for life. Pic: Getty

"It's so unfair to all of the players that do it the right way and are true. I think from the WTA it sends the wrong message to young kids: Cheat and we'll welcome you back with open arms.

"I don't think that's right. [She's] definitely not someone I can say I look up to anymore, because this has definitely ruined it for me a little bit."

Sharapova marked her controversial comeback with a rusty 7-5, 6-3 win over Roberta Vinci in Stuttgart, describing victory as the "best feeling in the world".

The former world number one and five-time Grand Slam champion brushed off a nervous start to eventually claim a convincing win.

Sharapova won in her return from a doping ban. Pic: Getty

"It's the best feeling in the world to walk out (on court), it's been a stage of mine since I was a young girl and it was very special," said Sharapova who celebrated her win with a succession of double fist pumps and a broad smile before blowing kisses to all corners of the Porsche Arena.

"I have been waiting for this a long time."

Sharapova was given a wildcard to play in Stuttgart, where she has been champion three times, a move which drew a barrage of criticism from rivals who believed she was receiving preferential treatment.