World No.1 Andy Murray expects Maria Sharapova to receive a wild card at year’s Wimbledon Championships if she doesn’t automatically qualify.
The comments of the world No.1 come as Sharapova returns to action from a doping ban. Last week the Russian began her comeback to the tour by reaching the semifinals at the Stuttgart Open. In her first tournament since the 2016 Australian Open, she produced wins over Roberta Vinci, Ekaterina Makarova and Anett Kontaveit. The run is Stuttgart has elevated Sharapova to 262nd in the world rankings.
A debate has erupted in the sport over the ethics of rewarding wild cards to players convicted of doping violations. Some players have criticised tournaments for granted passes to the former world No.1. One of those include former French Open finalist Simona Halep.
“For the kids, for the young players, it is not OK to help with a wild card the player that was banned for doping,” Halep said last week.
Speaking about a potential wildcard for Sharapova at Wimbledon. Murray expects Sharapova to qualify in her own right. If not, the current Wimbledon champion believes The All England Club will provide her with a pass into this year’s event.
“There might not even be a decision to be made because she might be in the main draw after Madrid or Rome,” Murray said at the launch of next month’s Queen’s tournament on Tuesday.
“I think there’s a good chance Wimbledon would give her one to get into qualifiers. I’m not sure what they will do but I’m sure they are hoping they don’t have to make the decision.
“There’s a good chance that she can get in by right, which I’m sure is what she’s hoping for and that’s what Wimbledon would be hoping for.”
Sharapova will return to action next week at the Madrid Open followed by the Rome Open. A strong run at both events will secure her place at the grass-court major.
The Wimbledon dilemma
The recent comments from Murray is a big boost for Sharapova and her fans. The British player is a known vocal critic of doping in sport. He had previously called for the removal of wild card’s for drug cheats.
“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 in March.
Officials at SW19 will be hoping that the 30-year-old will automatically qualify for the event. If she doesn’t, it is unclear as to what will happen. Unlike other majors, qualifying for Wimbledon is held in a relatively open environment and have little media facilities. If Sharapova was to play in the draw, it could prove to be a big logistical challenge for the tournament.
The French Open, which is the next grand slam tournament, are set to make their decision about Sharapova’s entry on May 16th.
