Andy Murray has spoken out against rewarding players wild cards into tournaments if they have been convicted of doping offences.
The world No.1 made the comments during an interview with the Times. Murray’s view coincides with Maria Sharapova’s return to the tour next month after her doping suspension. The Russian hasn’t played a match on the tour since the 2016 Australian Open after testing positive for Meldonium. Originally banned for 24 months, Sharapova has had her suspension reduced to 15 months after a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Sharapova will return to action at the Stuttgart Open after being granted granted a wildcard. The Madrid and Rome Open has also presented a wild cards to the Russian, who is eligible for as many as she like due to being a former world No.1.
As Sharapova is set to resume her career at the top of the women’s tour, Murray has voiced his own opposition of the approach taken by tournaments. Acknowledging that events want to attract the ‘big names’, the Brit believes doping violators should be made to work their way back up the tour.
“I think you should really have to work your way back. However, the majority of tournaments are going to do what they think is best for their event,” Murray told The Times.
Murray’s call comes as Wimbledon ponders whether or not to become the latest tournament to reward Sharapova entry. The 29-year-old won the tournament in 2004 and was a runner-up in 2011.
“If they think having big names there is going to sell more seats, then they’re going to do that. She (Sharapova) has an opportunity to try to improve her ranking up until that point and potentially not need a wildcard.” He explained.
“But then if she doesn’t, that becomes Wimbledon’s decision and how they want to play that.
“I’m sure they’ll think long and hard about it and how they feel people will view it and then make the right decision for them.”
Throughout the Sharapova controversy, Murray has maintained a tough stance. The Russian has always argued that she was unaware that Meldonium because a banned substance at the start of 2016, an excuse that Murray has blasted.
“To be honest, I don’t really see that as being a valid excuse.” The two-time Wimbledon champion said last year.
“If you’re taking any medication, it’s your responsibility as an athlete to check and make sure what you are taking is legal.”
The CEO of the WTA , Steve Simon, has endorsed the idea of wild cards being given to Sharapova. Speaking to The Telegraph in October, Simon insisted that tournaments should welcome the five-time champion back to the tour.
“I think the game will welcome Maria back and I think it should,” Simon said. “I don’t speak for the slams, and I won’t want to put them in a position, but Maria has conducted herself with a great deal of integrity.”
Sharapova’s ban officially ends on April 26th, the same day when she will play her first match in Stuttgart.
