THE WOMEN’S TENNIS Association (WTA) have criticised the decision not to give two-time winner Maria Sharapova a wild card to this year’s event.
Ranked too low to gain direct entry after a 15-month drugs ban, the Russian was refused a wild card entry on the basis that the French Tennis Federation (FFT) had a “mission to protect the high standards” of tennis.
“There can be a wildcard for the return from injuries – there cannot be a wildcard for the return from doping.”
However, the move to snub the two-time winner has disappointed the WTA.
“I don’t agree with the basis for their decision. She has complied with the sanction,” said chief executive Steve Simon.
“There are no grounds to penalise any player beyond the sanctions set forth in the final decisions resolving these matters.”
