Once again, Maria Sharapova’s situation is creating a big controversy. On one side, 3 top (WTA) tournaments (Stuttgart, Madrid, and Rome) were more than happy to grant a wild card to the Russian after her comeback from doping; on the other, the Roland Garros refused to do so for “moral reasons.”
The WTA POSITION
Steve Simons, the WTA BOSS, didn’t appreciate the way the FFT has handled the situation to release the following statement
“Wildcards are offered at tournaments’ sole discretion. I fully support the players that received wildcards and wish them the very best of luck. It’s going to be a very exciting fortnight at Roland Garros.
What I do not agree with is the basis put forward by the FFT for their decision with respect to Maria Sharapova. She has complied with the sanction imposed by CAS.
The tennis anti-doping program is a uniform effort supported by the Grand Slams, WTA, ITF, and ATP.
There are no grounds for any member of the TADP to penalize any player beyond the sanctions set forth in the final decisions resolving these matters.”
Somebody has called the WTA the “Sharapova Tennis Association.”
| WHAT A MESS! |
@WTA Sharapova Tennis Association
— WTA Reactions (@WTAreactions) May 17, 2017
What a horrible three hours for Maria Sharapova. Wildcard rejected, gets injured and retires to a player who compared her to Lance Armstrong
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) May 16, 2017
Murray asked about Sharapova’s WC in French Open: “I’ve spoken about this every week in last five months, it’s killing me.”
— Giulio Fedele (@fedele_giulio) May 16, 2017
