MADRID: Relishing in her three-set win over Maria Sharapova, a fearless Eugenie Bouchard has once again took a swipe at the five-time grand slam champion.
The Canadian has been a high profile critic of the Russian since her return from a 15-month doping ban. Last week, she told a Turkish media outlet that Sharapova was a ‘cheater’ and should not be allowed back into the game. Bouchard’s outspoken words are ones they she continues to stand by.
Shortly after her latest victory at the Madrid Open, Bouchard said that she was ‘inspired’ to win the match. Refraining from mentioning names, the world No.60 has claimed that she has received messages of support before her match against the former world No.1. It was the latest statement in the ongoing anti-Sharapova rhetoric circulating the women’s tour.
“I was actually quite inspired before the match because I had a lot of players coming up to me privately wishing me good luck, players I don’t normally speak to, getting a lot of texts from people in the tennis world that were just rooting for me.” She said.
“So I wanted to do it for myself, but also all these people. I really felt support.”
Throughout the doping controversy, Sharapova has protested her innocence. In January 2016 she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium. According to the Sharapova camp, she never took the substance to enhance her performance and was unaware it was banned on January 1st that year. Still, some has remained critical about the legitimacy concerning her ten-year consumption of the heart drug.
“It showed me that most people have my opinion, and they were just maybe scared to speak out.” Bouchard explained.
Despite the bad publicity, Sharapova’s return in Stuttgart was a marketing hit for the WTA. Journalists from around the globe descended upon the German city to cover her return as the Russian once again became headline news. It was a perfect example of Sharapova’s popularity in the sport.
A tough road ahead
Even before her ban, Sharapova was never the most popular figure on the tour. Dominika Cibulkova once described her as ‘’arrogant, conceited and cold.’’ It is unlikely that everybody on the tour is anti-Sharapova. In reality, Bouchard’s comments are yet to be backed by another player. Nevertheless, the player once described as the most marketable in the world by Forbes.com, pledges to play the sport on her own terms.
“I’ve been part of this game for many years. I know what the drill is. I know the excitement. I know there’s always a lot of talk and buzz, matchups, rivalries, news. It’s all part of the game.” Said Sharapova.
“But at the end of the day, it’s just two athletes competing against each other, and I’m one of them. That’s how I treat this game.”
With a Twitter following of 5.67 million, there is no shortage in fans that are willing to defend the 30-year-old. Few will dispute Sharapova’s ability to rise back to the top. The only problem is that it looks destined to be a lonely one. A prospect she isn’t scare of.
“I have a great amount of friends at home and all over the world that I speak to. Those matter to me, those friendships really matter to me.” She once said.
Known for her fighting spirit on the court, Sharapova appears to be just as tough in her personal life. Her critics may not like it, but she is here to stay.
