Sharapova rebuffed as French Open wild card entrant

Two-time French Open champion Maria Sharapova

PHOTO BY FACEBOOK

French tennis federation head says decision is meant ‘to protect the game’

PARIS – Two-time French Open champion Maria Sharapova has been rejected by the organizers of the Roland Garros tournament as a wild card entry as a result of her recent suspension for doping.

French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said in a live Facebook broadcast last Tuesday that he personally informed Sharapova about the decision.

Sharapova returned to the sport last month after serving a 15-month suspension for doping.

“This suspension is over and she can take her path toward new success. But while there can be a wild card for return from injury, there can’t be a wild card for return from doping,” Giudicelli said.

“I’m very sorry for Maria, very sorry for her fans. They might be disappointed, she might be very disappointed. But it’s my responsibility, it’s my mission to protect the game and protect the high standards of the game,” he also said.

This year’s French Open will start on May 28.

Men’s tennis superstar Novak Djokovic said he felt sorry for Sharapova “but it’s the way it is.”

It was double whammy for Sharapova on Tuesday because the decision of the French Open organizers was announced on the same day that suffered a thigh injury, causing her to withdraw from the Italian Open. GAC/Expat Media

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