Maria Sharapova Receives Lukewarm Welcome From Rivals Ahead Of US Open Return - UBITENNIS

Maria Sharapova Receives Lukewarm Welcome From Rivals Ahead Of US Open Return

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read
Maria Sharapova (zimbio.com)

The return of Maria Sharapova to Grand Slam tennis has been greeted by a somewhat muted response from other players on the tour.

The 30-year-old Russian is set to play in her first major tournament for almost two years, thanks to a wild card from the US Open. Sharapova has been absent from the majors following a 15-month suspension for violating anti-doping rules. She returned to the tour in April, but the French Open declined to award her a wild card. Then injury ruined her hopes of playing at Wimbledon.

“When it comes to tennis, good or bad – there’s really only one thing that I know for certain – I’ve missed it,” Sharapova wrote on the Players Tribune website. “Though these last two years have been tougher – so much tougher – than I ever could have anticipated… my passion for the game has never wavered. If anything, it has only grown stronger.”

Sharapova’s New York return is set to be a blockbuster. In the first round on Monday she faces second seed Simona Halep. A player who she leads 6-0 in their head-to-head. The Romanian was recently asked about her view concerning Sharapova’s wild card, but refused to be pulled into the debate.

“About wildcard, the tournament decided, so they can do anything they want. Is not my position to talk about this.” Explained Halep.
“Facing her, it’s going to be a big challenge, first round of Grand Slam to face her. She beat me six times. So maybe I will change this.
“I just want to do my best, to try to win the match and of course to enjoy it. It’s a big, big match.”

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Defending champion Angelique Kerber was another player reluctant to talk about Sharapova. Earlier in the year she voiced opposition to the former world No.1 being given a pass into the Stuttgart Open instead of a young German player rising up the ranks.

“This is not my decision.” Kerber said about Sharapova’s wild card. “This is a decision, of course, from the tournament. Yeah, this is all actually I can say.”

Garbine Muguruza is not one to underestimate the 30-year-old. On the tour, she has lost to her in all three of their previous meetings. Although the Spaniard admits that she hasn’t been keeping an eye on Sharapova’s performance this year. The Russian has only managed to play one competitive match since Rome due to leg and forearm injuries.

“To be completely honest with you, I haven’t seen much of her playing this year. But I think we all knew it was inevitable that she’d be back in majors and playing. I’m sure this first round is going to be interesting.” Said Muguruza.

Five-time champion Sharapova last won the US Open in 2006. Regardless of the doping controversy, she has maintained a loyal fan base. Illustrated by a Facebook tally of 15.3 million likes and a Twitter following of 6.72 million.

“I think she’s very professional in all of the things what she’s doing, on the court and off the court with the media.” World No.1 Pliskova commented about the Russian.

Sharapova will play Halep on the Arthur Ashe stadium at 19:00 local time on Monday.

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