Maria Sharapova has scored a big supporter in her quest for a wild card’s into the top tournaments with the endorsement of WTA CEO Steve Simon.
The Russian will end her 15-month suspension from the tour next month at the Stuttgart Open, where she will play her first match on the Wednesday (the same day her ban ends). Sharapova’s return has prompted a fierce debate over the ethics of rewarding tournament passes to players convicted of doping violations. World No.1 Andy Murray recently told The Times that wild cards should be removed from drug cheats/violators.
A former grand slam champion and world No.1, Sharapova is eligible for an unlimited amount of wild cards into tournaments according to WTA Rules. Nevertheless, the French Open has expressed concerns over granting a pass to the Russian.
“Integrity is one of our strong points. We cannot decide, on the one hand, to increase the amount of funds we dedicate to the anti-doping battle and, on the other, invite her.” The president of French Tennis, Bernard Giudicelli, told the AFP.
A clear divide on both the men’s and women’s tour has erupted concerning the issue. Grand slam champions Victoria Azarenka and Juan Martin del Potro has supported Sharapova’s return. Meanwhile, Caroline Wozniacki and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been far more critical.
This looks much more complete now. Quotes from I think all the players who’ve said things about Sharapova’s wildcards. pic.twitter.com/CXsxe0MV2Z
— José Morais (@ZezeAM) 13 March 2017
There has been suggestions that the WTA’s policy should be changed to prevent future arguments. WTA chief Simon has voiced his own opinion on the current situation. Simon, who has headed the women’s tour since 2015, admitted that he will only review the policy if he is requested to.
“Every rule gets looked at and reviewed, and I’m sure this may be one of them,” Simon told BBC Sport. “If the members wish us to look at the rule, we will, that’s how our system works.
“My personal opinion is that it shouldn’t be adjusted unless we decide to not provide it at all and change the entire wildcard rule. I think the suspension is in place to deal with an action that occurred.”
Simon’s backing of Sharapova comes as no surprise. Last year he told the media that he was ‘looking forward’ to seeing the 29-year-old return to the court after her ban. He believes the punishment dealt to Sharapova is sufficient enough for no further action.
“Maria has served a 15 month suspension, has had no income, has lost all of her ranking as well as her Australian Open winnings from 2016 – so she’s served a significant penalty for her actions.” He said.
Why is Sharapova allowed to play her first match on a Wednesday?
The WTA explanation :-
“In compliance with WTA and the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme rules, Sharapova can participate in a tournament in the week that her suspension ends, providing that the first match that she is scheduled to contest takes place on or after the day on which she is eligible to return to competition.”
