Maria Sharapova will not play at the French Open after the president of French Tennis declined to give her a wild card into the event.
In a Facebook live webcast, French Tennis president Bernard Giudicelli confirmed that the former champion will not receive a wild card into either the main draw or qualifying tournament. The decision means that Sharapova will not be able to participate in the grand slam event as her ranking isn’t high enough.
“I just wanted to tell you that I have decided not to give a wild card to Maria Sharapova that she asked me for.” Said Giudicelli. “Nobody can deprive her of her two titles here at Roland Garros. Those two titles she held according to the rules.”
Sharapova returned to the tour last month after serving a 15-month suspension. In January 2016 she tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium. The former world No.1 argued throughout her case that she was unaware it was a banned substance. Meldonium was made a prohibited substance on January 1st, 2016. Last year the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced her suspension from 24 months to 15 after they concluded she wasn’t an ‘intentional doper.’ On the other hand, the CAS ruled that she was at fault for not following anti-doping procedures.
“I read the CAS article which reduced her sentence, however, we agree with the independent tribunal panel that she had committed a violation of the tennis programme.” The French chief said.
“If there can’t be a wild card for return of injury, then there can’t be a wild card for the return of doping.”
The shock announcement comes after a trio of high profile tournaments (Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome) handed the Russian a pass into their tournaments. It had previously been reported that the French tennis body was unsure about rewarding Sharapova a wild card. Some sources speculated that she would be granted entry into the qualifying draw.
Defending his decision, Giudicelli has argued that he is ‘protecting the game.’ Sharapova is a two-time champion at the French Open, winning the title in 2012 and 2014.
“I’m sorry for Maria and her fans. She might be disappointed, but it’s my mission to protect the game and protect the high standard of the game played without any doubts on the results.” He said.
New York Times journalist Christopher Clarey has reported that Giudicelli was unable to contact Sharapova before his Facebook announcement. According to Clarey, he tried to contact her three times, but there was no answer.
Tuesday’s decision occurred moments before Sharapova started her second round match against Mirjana Lučić-Baroni at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. She is required to make the semifinals at the Rome tournament if she wants to directly qualify for the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. The cut-off for direct entries at SW19 ends on Monday.
