Later this month, Maria Sharapova returns to competitive tennis after a 15th-month doping suspension. There are two sides to this story. Most of the players do not like it while tennis fans are looking forward to the Russian champion’s comeback.
Players in the WTA like Czech Barbara Strycova feel that Sharapova is getting special treatment from tournament organizers by giving her wildcard entries.
Strycova doesn’t like it
“But, of course, she is Maria and what can you do?”Strycova said, “I will not get pissed off about it, but I’m shocked with what is happening at the tournament in Stuttgart. Suddenly she can play on Wednesday [her first possible return date], we are coming from playing in the Fed Cup, and we have to play on Tuesday. This is what I don’t like.”
Cibulkova feels it’s unfair
Dominika Cibulkova has stated earlier that Sharapova should earn the main tourney entry by playing through the qualifying rounds like most players. Then again, most players are not former number one ranked and Grand Slam winners.
… but it’s good for tournaments
Former player Greg Rusedski summed up the situation perfectly when he noted,
“Promoters and tournaments want a big name in their event. They want Sharapova because she draws a big crowd no matter where she plays.
“But from a players’ perspective, they’re probably like ‘earn your stripes back.’ She has been banned, and they probably think she should have to build her way back in.
“But there are no rules that say she has to do that, so she’s doing everything she has to abide by. At the end of the day, tennis is entertainment.”
What about the Roland Garros?
So far, Sharapova has received wild cards to Stuttgart and the Madrid Open. The French Open has not made a decision yet but considering she is a two-time Roland Garros champion, Sharapova is expected to get a direct entry into the draw.
All eyes and ears will be on the initial crowd reaction when Maria Sharapova sets foot on court that first day. The result depends on whether there are more players in the stand than fans.
| FAIR, NOT FAIR, WHO KNOWS? |
