Maria Sharapova To The French Open: No Actions Will Get In The Way Of My Dreams

by Tom Gainey | May 17th, 2017, 1:00 pm
  • 5 Comments

Maria Sharapova took to twitter to release a statement which seemed to be directed at the French Open’s denying her a wildcard.

“If this is what it takes to rise up again, then I am in it all the way, every day. No words, games, or actions will ever stop me from reaching my own dreams. And I have many,” she wrote.

Yesterday, not only did Sharapova learn the French decision, but she also had to retire in her match against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni because of the thigh injury. Sharapova did not meet the press after, but she released this on her injury:


“I apologize for having to withdraw from my match today with a left thigh injury. I will be getting all the necessary examinations to make sure it is not serious. I want to that the tournament for giving me the opportunity to play in this special event again.”

Also, WTA CEO Steve Simon took issue with the language French officials used to deny Sharapova a spot.

“Wildcards are offered at tournaments’ sole discretion,” Simon said in a statement. “I fully support the players that received wildcards and wish them the very best of luck. It’s going to be a very exciting fortnight at Roland Garros.

“What I do not agree with is the basis put forward by the FFT for their decision with respect to Maria Sharapova. She has complied with the sanction imposed by CAS.

“The tennis anti-doping program is a uniform effort supported by the Grand Slams, WTA, ITF, and ATP.

“There are no grounds for any member of the TADP to penalize any player beyond the sanctions set forth in the final decisions resolving these matters.”

Regardless of the rhetoric, the fact is, the 2-time champion Sharapova will not be at the French Open this year. No words are changing that.


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5 Comments for Maria Sharapova To The French Open: No Actions Will Get In The Way Of My Dreams

Truthsquad Says:

Just a simple girl with a dream. Humble Masha!


Pamela Says:

I agree with Simon. Like Maria or not (I actually do), she paid her dues. She took full responsibility for what she did. She was negligent as was her team for not reading the memo. But, let’s get real. She was taking this drug for years. People love to find anything that shows guilt. the big question was why would she go to Russia to a doctor there. She has family in Russia. She has strong ties to Russia and maybe this doctor has been her doctor for years. I also feel like Maria’s personality is not one that would cheat to get ahead. She is a true champion no matter what one thinks of her personality. Anyway, I think it was a very bad decision not to give her a wold card and I thought the statement that came out from the FO was very condescending and very unfair. At the end of the day it is their decision. I bet they loose a lot of money by not giving her a wild card. No offense to the players, but with Serena, Victoria, Petra all out and Kerber having some sort of crisis, Helep stumbling along, but complaining the whole way…. not a whole lot of excitement. And toGenie Bouchard, who has been very vocal about Maria and very nasty and enjoying it a bit too much. I say grow up and concentrate on your own game. Maria will be just fine as we see by her statement. And Genie and Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, both who have been very vocal against Maria… they can maybe take some lessons from Maria’s play book.. If you don’t have something nice to say… keep your mouth shut


chrisford1 Says:

CAS agreed with the sanctions tennis levied against Sharapova, saying the evidence was indisputable. They noted Sharapova concealed its use from everyone on her team but her business agent, her own doctor, etc., in the appeal decision. While she “served her time” – organizers at ITA/WTA events have the right to use their given wildcards for what they think as being in the best interests of their event.That is what they did.
When Viktor Troicki came back, even knowing Troicki was drug free and was penalized for just a rules violation – he didn’t get any wild cards at big events. Initially, despite a lot of sympathy from players with his case, no Slam wildcards until he played some Challengers and built up his rankings some.
Were the French officials snide and jerks about how they announced their decision? Sure. That does not make the decision wrong.


Van Persie Says:

I always admired one thing at Masha. She never said bad things about her WTA colleagues, except the occasions, where she was directly attacked.

It is a shame, she did not require the WC. It’s a loss for the game.


Van Persie Says:

Agree also with CF1. Organizers should offer the WC’s to whom they want, the way, that the director announced the refusal, was sleazy.

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