French Open says ‘non’ to Maria Sharapova
The French Tennis Federation surprised many by declining a wild card for Maria Sharapova to the French Open.
Maria Sharapova had been lobbying for a wild card to the only grand slam she has won twice, but on Tuesday, the French Tennis Federation (FTF), after some consideration, turned her down. She even pleaded her case in person to the organization after they expressed ambivalence in granting the wild card request.
The FTF has taken a hard stance on doping and indicated that it would not be offering leniency last month. Sharapova was hoping to be welcomed back to her favorite tournament, where she won in 2012 and 2014 and scheduled her return from a doping ban as a probable buildup to the tournament. Sharapova progressed well in her first tournament after her 15-month commuted ban in Stuttgart, but was ousted by Genie Bouchard in the round of 32 in her second wild card event in Madrid, with the Canadian calling her a “cheater” and saying she should have been banned for good.
“She’s a cheater and I don’t think a cheater in any sport should be allowed to play again,” said Bouchard in Stuttgart weeks ago. “I think from the WTA it sends the wrong message to young kids: cheat and we’ll welcome you back with open arms. I don’t think that’s right and she’s not someone I can say I look up to anymore.”
Bouchard is already set to play Roland Garros, but French Open officials said that the Russian’s performance in the two clay tournaments she played this year wasn’t enough to qualify her for the grand slam.
French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said: “She might be very disappointed, but it’s my responsibility to protect the game, and game played without any doubts of results.”
Sharapova’s first round win in the Rome Open has qualified her for the Wimbledon qualifying tournament. Her current ranking is 211. She is also likely to receive a wild card to the Birmingham grass court tournament by the Lawn Tennis Association, despite a protest from British two-time gold medalist Andy Murray. Birmingham is a run-up tourney to Wimbledon, the likely next target for Sharapova’s comeback story.
Wimbledon was the first grand slam she won, back in 2004.
Missing out on the French Open is a major blow to the Russian’s bid for a comeback. Clay has become the former No. 1’s best surface and the French grand slam was likely her best chance at winning a major this year.
The French Open starts May 28.