Irate Bouchard wants life ban for Sharapova
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IF Eugenie Bouchard had her way, Maria Sharapova would have been banned from tennis for life.
The 2014 Wimbledon finalist from Canada, who has been ranked as high as fifth in the world, called Sharapova a cheater upon the Russian’s return from a 15-month doping suspension for using the banned substance meldonium.
Sharapova has already been slammed by several other players who are unhappy that the five-time grand slam champion has been given wildcard entries to some tournaments.
“I don’t think that’s right,” Bouchard, who is now ranked 59th and is competing at the Istanbul Cup this week, told Turkish broadcaster TRT World. “She is a cheater and so to me, I don’t think a cheater in any sport should be allowed to play that sport again. It’s so unfair to all the other players who do it the right way and are true.”
Sharapova returned to tennis on Wednesday, winning her opening match at the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. She received a wildcard to play in Stuttgart, and also got them for upcoming tournaments in Madrid and Rome.
The French Open is also considering an invitation for the two-time champion.
Some players argue that Sharapova should work her way back up the rankings by competing in lower-tier events and through qualifying for the bigger tournaments. WTA CEO Steve Simon, speaking to German broadcaster ZDF over the weekend before Bouchard’s comments became available, said Sharapova had “served her suspension”.
After beating Roberta Vinci in Stuttgart, Sharapova said she doesn’t feel hurt by fellow players speaking out against the conditions of her comeback.
“I can’t control what people say and I never have,” the Russian said. “The only thing I can control is what I do out there and those are my words. I’m always prepared to walk the walk and I have and I’ve done that by winning five grand slams and being No. 1 in the world.”
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