Controversial stuff in Paris!
Karie Boulter got injured during her last Fed Cup tie in April to exacerbate an injury that she was nursing since March. Ranked no.112, Katie had direct access to the Roland Garros where playing the 1st round means earning 46,000 Euro. Boulter wasn’t expected to compete at the French Open, but something happened.
Some background
In the past, many players didn’t want to renounce to the “1st round bonanza” of the slams to play even if injured and then retire during the 1st match to pocket the money.
The organizations of the slams introduced the rule that injured players could withdraw before playing the 1st round to pocket 50% of the prize money so as to avoid the loss of time and the embarrassment of playing a match that they couldn’t possibly win with clear damage to the “show.”
What happened to Katie Boulter
The last time that Katie played singles was back in March in Miami. As explained, it was quite plausible that she wasn’t able to compete in the 2nd slam of the year. However, she decided to still go to Paris, and after being included in the main draw, she decided to withdraw to pocket 23,000 Euro and go back home.
Soon after, Katie tweeted
“So disappointed to have to pull out of the French Open. I was still hoping to have a chance of competing but doctors have advised me not to take a risk with my back. Can’t wait to get back on court soon.”
Boulter was heavily criticized by the media, but was that right?
