Maria Sharapova’s wildcards driven by media coverage: Andy Murray | Tennis News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Maria Sharapova’s wildcards driven by media coverage: Andy Murray

Reuters | ByReuters
May 13, 2017 10:23 AM IST

Men’s world number one Andy Murray has said that the level of media coverage on Maria Sharapova’s return to professional tennis has been key in her being offered wild card entries to tournaments

The level of media coverage surrounding Maria Sharapova’s return to tennis from a doping suspension has been a key factor in the five-time grand slam winner being offered wildcards to events, men’s world number one Andy Murray has said.

Maria Sharapova’s return to professional tennis after a 15-month drug ban has been extensively covered in the media, and that, men’s world number one Andy Murray says, has been a key factor in her getting wild card entries to tournaments.(AFP)
Maria Sharapova’s return to professional tennis after a 15-month drug ban has been extensively covered in the media, and that, men’s world number one Andy Murray says, has been a key factor in her getting wild card entries to tournaments.(AFP)

The Times reported this week that Sharapova would be awarded a wildcard by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to play at next month’s Aegon Classic in Birmingham.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Sharapova’s current ranking of 258, after a return from a 15-month doping suspension, was too low to merit a direct entry for the event and the organisers were looking to give her one of the four available wildcards, the report said.

READ | Maria Sharapova set for wildcard entry in Birmingham’s Aegon Classic: Reports

The former world number one has played two tournaments through wildcards since her return - losing in the semi-finals at last month’s Stuttgart Open and falling to Eugenie Bouchard in the second round of the Madrid Open last week.

“I do think the tournaments are going to do what they think is going to sell the most tickets, give them the most coverage, get the most people in to watch,” Murray told BBC Sport.

“I’m sure the LTA saw the coverage that was given, ... the amount of media covering it, and think that’s what’s best for the tournament in Birmingham. But I’m sure it’s split a lot of opinion.

READ | Eugenie Bouchard stuns Maria Sharapova to set up Kerber clash in Madrid

“I’m sure the discussions about whether to give it or not were long... but they’ve obviously done what they think is right for that event and maybe haven’t thought as much about the wider implications.”

The 30-year-old Russian last played in the Wimbledon warm-up event in 2010.

Sharapova’s hopes of featuring in this year’s Wimbledon could hinge on a June 20 meeting of tournament organisers unless the Russian finds form in upcoming events.

The Aegon Classic will be held at the Edgbaston Priory Club from June 17-25.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On