Maria Sharapova will not compete at the French Open later this month after being denied a wildcard by the French Tennis Federation, but WTA chief executive Steve Simon condemned the reasoning for her snub.
The Russian, 30, was ranked too low to gain direct entry as she continues her return from a 15 month drug ban.
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) chose not to hand Sharapova a wildcard to “protect” the sport’s standards.
“I don’t agree with the basis for their decision. She has complied with the sanction,” said WTA chief Steve Simon.
“There are no grounds to penalise any player beyond the sanctions set forth in the final decisions resolving these matters.”
Sharapova’s day went from bad to worse as she was forced to retire injured from her second-round clash at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, having took to the court just 30 minutes after Giudicelli’s announcement.
“I apologise for having to withdraw from my match with a left thigh injury,” she said. “I will be getting all the necessary examinations to make sure it is not serious.”
Sharapova will now have to wait until 20 June to discover whether she is among the wildcards at the All England Club.
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) chose not to hand Sharapova a wildcard to “protect” the sport’s standards.
“I don’t agree with the basis for their decision. She has complied with the sanction,” said WTA chief Steve Simon.
“There are no grounds to penalise any player beyond the sanctions set forth in the final decisions resolving these matters.”
Sharapova’s day went from bad to worse as she was forced to retire injured from her second-round clash at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, having took to the court just 30 minutes after Giudicelli’s announcement.
“I apologise for having to withdraw from my match with a left thigh injury,” she said. “I will be getting all the necessary examinations to make sure it is not serious.”
Sharapova will now have to wait until 20 June to discover whether she is among the wildcards at the All England Club.
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