Sharapova fails drug test

[kskate2]

It's vulgar that Maria has flip-flopped on her original admission of guilt, and is claiming special victim status for herself, but is also saying that the ITF could have done more to hunt her down and tell her personally that a drug she never even listed on her supplement intake sheet was illegal. So now she's shifted the blame, she expects everybody to fall into line and bow down before her... :cover

She really needs to stop it. Just take your medicine and swallow. Make an ugly face all you want but shut your trap. It really shows her lack of self-esteem that she's concerned with what other players say. She never cared before what people thought. So all of a sudden, 15 months off the tour and her skin isn't thick anymore? Not buying it. :nono

I do think she is drumming up a built-in excuse in case this comeback goes sideways. If she finds herself on the losing end of matches to nextgen or players she used to own, she can say all this off-court drama was a distraction and she couldn't play her best tennis.

Yeah, basically this. And while I agree with your suggestion that she needs to "takes her medicine and swallow", I would urge her first to check the label on the side of the bottle and make sure the medicine isn't banned! :laydownlaughing

Better yet, designate one or 2 people of her large entourage as dope watchers. Their primary role would be to stay sharp on WADA's watch and banned list.

 

[tossip]

she is not ashamed of herself plus the dew is gone...at 30yrs and looking butch like that ..Maria is not feminine and she is on the down low..

 

[Hoergren]

If you're still interested in arguments about Marias - too soon - return - here is a very good article summing it all up - many good points IMO

On Marias return

And as he points out: It'll be interesting to see what medicine she's gonna use now meldonium is banned - well I mean if it's to take care of her health there must be a substitute needed to enhance her play - erh I mean to help her "health". Again not good for tennis to allow a player into a tournament that begins before the ban is off. No problems with the next tournament. Interesting to see how much booing that will appear.:nono

 

[tossip]

noone cares about pova as her fans want us believe...#spendforce
when she comes back Serena will still be no.1 and will comeback next year and beat her flat screen behind over and over...

 

[kskate2]

There is a catfight off court between Radwanska and Sharapova's agent over wildcards. This is only significant if Maria defeats Roberta Vinci in her first round match on Wed. She would have to play Aga in the 2nd round. Here is the link to what Aga had to say.

Then Maria's agent fires back and is not very tactful w/ his response.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

There is a catfight off court between Radwanska and Sharapova's agent over wildcards. This is only significant if Maria defeats Roberta Vinci in her first round match on Wed. She would have to play Aga in the 2nd round. Here is the link to what Aga had to say.

Then Maria's agent fires back and is not very tactful w/ his response.

I agree with Aga's remarks.

However, the FFT will cave in as they lack star power seriously. With no Serena, no Vika and no Petra, the chances that they would cave in has considerably increased actually.

If Aga vs. Maria match happens, I doubt Aga can win considering she is on a free fall this year.

Finally, FFT might eat the cake and have it too, by awarding Meldopova a WC in the qualifiying tourney for the French open.

 

[kskate2]

Actually, the cake would be the better option for them politically, morally, socially and financially. By granting her a WC into the quali's, how many more tickets will they sell to quali matches?

 

[the AntiPusher]

There is a catfight off court between Radwanska and Sharapova's agent over wildcards. This is only significant if Maria defeats Roberta Vinci in her first round match on Wed. She would have to play Aga in the 2nd round. Here is the link to what Aga had to say.

Then Maria's agent fires back and is not very tactful w/ his response.

If that doesn't be the bulletin board material all the players should have in their tennis bags before the play Pova.. If not they should retain Serena as a tennis consultant, she will tell them what motivates her and how to dismantle Pova.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Actually, the cake would be the better option for them politically, morally, socially and financially. By granting her a WC into the quali's, how many more tickets will they sell to quali matches?

Meldopova would not like being asked to play Quals. That would mean she would have to play five weeks in a row; Madrid, Rome, Quals and two weeks of RG. She would not want to play for five weeks in a row especially after an year in exile. As a result, she would drop out of Rome. That would mean serious loss of valuable points that she could accrue. Hence, all the lobbying by the agent.

 

[kskate2]

She would only play 5 weeks in a row if she's in a winning position for each tournament you mention. That's a bit optimistic for someone who's been off the tour over a year.

 

[Kieran]

Sharapova will find out on 15 May is she'll be given a WC for Paris. I don't know why the delay, but also, I'd hope the GS tourneys would be above the sordid backroom peddling that involved Sharapova getting a WC to Stuttgart. Simply put, the slams should follow the rankings with regards to returning drug cheats. They can't be seen to be rewarding them ahead of more deserving young players...

EDIT: http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/04/sharapova-told-week-of-may-15-if-she-can-play-at-french-open/65572/

 

[Fiero425]

Sharapova will find out on 15 May if she'll be given a WC for Paris. IDK why the delay, but also, I'd hope the GS tourneys would be above the sordid backroom peddling that involved Sharapova getting a WC to Stuttgart. Simply put, the slams should follow the rankings with regards to returning drug cheats. They can't be seen to be rewarding them ahead of more deserving young players...

EDIT: http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/04/sharapova-told-week-of-may-15-if-she-can-play-at-french-open/65572/

They really have little shame! It wouldn't be the 1st time; headliners get special dispensation short of "murder!" I really don't care either way! I can't even watch women's tennis; no real fave and Serena's #1 for a little while longer though retired for the time being! I'm all for making sure "up & comers" get every chance to get experience and not undermine their development making room for someone who hasn't played in months; even if by injury! This is all on Maria and her management group! Since when are we obligated to hold a spot in the top echelon of our sport just because a player has something unfortunate happening in their life? I still remember the women grumbling about Seles getting a break due to her stabbing! Why would we be more accommodating for a cheat and a fraud? That's life in this big world we live in; "deal with it Maria!" If Haas gets one more "straight in" entry I'm gonna scream! uzzled :nono :gross: :cover - - - - - http://fiero4251.blogspot.com/2016/08/fan-page-novak-nole-djokovic.html - -

 

[Kieran]

Sharapova will find out on 15 May if she'll be given a WC for Paris. IDK why the delay, but also, I'd hope the GS tourneys would be above the sordid backroom peddling that involved Sharapova getting a WC to Stuttgart. Simply put, the slams should follow the rankings with regards to returning drug cheats. They can't be seen to be rewarding them ahead of more deserving young players...

EDIT: http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/04/sharapova-told-week-of-may-15-if-she-can-play-at-french-open/65572/

They really have little shame! It wouldn't be the 1st time; headliners get special dispensation short of "murder!" I really don't care either way! I can't even watch women's tennis; no real fave and Serena's #1 for a little while longer though retired for the time being! I'm all for making sure "up & comers" get every chance to get experience and not undermine their development making room for someone who hasn't played in months; even if by injury! This is all on Maria and her management group! Since when are we obligated to hold a spot in the top echelon of our sport just because a player has something unfortunate happening in their life! I still remember the women grumbling about Seles getting a break due to her stabbing! Why would we be more accommodating for a cheat and a fraud? That's life in this big world we live in; "deal with it Maria!" If Haas gets one more "straight in" entry I'm gonna scream! uzzled :nono :gross: :cover - - - - - http://fiero4251.blogspot.com/2016/08/fan-page-novak-nole-djokovic.html - -

That's a great point about Seles, a player whose career was ruined by a lunatic. I'd also agree about WCs being a special treat for homegrown youngsters to get experience in their home slam, and if not them, then especially deserving players who haven't made the main draw, either due to injuries, or had a great run in the qualies.

What are the chances that RG will do the decent thing? They might, you know, but it wouldn't surprise me to see Maria striding brazenly onto Court Lenglen on the first day of play... :nono

 

[kskate2]

Sharapova will find out on 15 May if she'll be given a WC for Paris. IDK why the delay, but also, I'd hope the GS tourneys would be above the sordid backroom peddling that involved Sharapova getting a WC to Stuttgart. Simply put, the slams should follow the rankings with regards to returning drug cheats. They can't be seen to be rewarding them ahead of more deserving young players...

EDIT: http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/04/sharapova-told-week-of-may-15-if-she-can-play-at-french-open/65572/

They really have little shame! It wouldn't be the 1st time; headliners get special dispensation short of "murder!" I really don't care either way! I can't even watch women's tennis; no real fave and Serena's #1 for a little while longer though retired for the time being! I'm all for making sure "up & comers" get every chance to get experience and not undermine their development making room for someone who hasn't played in months; even if by injury! This is all on Maria and her management group! Since when are we obligated to hold a spot in the top echelon of our sport just because a player has something unfortunate happening in their life! I still remember the women grumbling about Seles getting a break due to her stabbing! Why would we be more accommodating for a cheat and a fraud? That's life in this big world we live in; "deal with it Maria!" If Haas gets one more "straight in" entry I'm gonna scream! uzzled :nono :gross: :cover - - - - - http://fiero4251.blogspot.com/2016/08/fan-page-novak-nole-djokovic.html - -

That's a great point about Seles, a player whose career was ruined by a lunatic. I'd also agree about WCs being a special treat for homegrown youngsters to get experience in their home slam, and if not them, then especially deserving players who haven't made the main draw, either due to injuries, or had a great run in the qualies.

What are the chances that RG will do the decent thing? They might, you know, but it wouldn't surprise me to see Maria striding brazenly onto Court Lenglen on the first day of play... :nono

If they're so brazen to grant her a WC, don't believe for a minute she'll be on Lenglen. She will be on Chatrier where they can sell more tickets :speechless:

 

[GameSetAndMath]

You know what would be nice. FFT should give her a wildcard into the quals and she should lose in the quals to a totally unknown player. :devil

 

[the AntiPusher]

They really have little shame! It wouldn't be the 1st time; headliners get special dispensation short of "murder!" I really don't care either way! I can't even watch women's tennis; no real fave and Serena's #1 for a little while longer though retired for the time being! I'm all for making sure "up & comers" get every chance to get experience and not undermine their development making room for someone who hasn't played in months; even if by injury! This is all on Maria and her management group! Since when are we obligated to hold a spot in the top echelon of our sport just because a player has something unfortunate happening in their life! I still remember the women grumbling about Seles getting a break due to her stabbing! Why would we be more accommodating for a cheat and a fraud? That's life in this big world we live in; "deal with it Maria!" If Haas gets one more "straight in" entry I'm gonna scream! uzzled :nono :gross: :cover - - - - - http://fiero4251.blogspot.com/2016/08/fan-page-novak-nole-djokovic.html - -

That's a great point about Seles, a player whose career was ruined by a lunatic. I'd also agree about WCs being a special treat for homegrown youngsters to get experience in their home slam, and if not them, then especially deserving players who haven't made the main draw, either due to injuries, or had a great run in the qualies.

What are the chances that RG will do the decent thing? They might, you know, but it wouldn't surprise me to see Maria striding brazenly onto Court Lenglen on the first day of play... :nono

If they're so brazen to grant her a WC, don't believe for a minute she'll be on Lenglen. She will be on Chatrier where they can sell more tickets :speechless:

I think their thoughts are that folks will line up just to come out to boo her..if she thinks they're gonna be a standing ovation or applause, she really hasn't been paying attention..tennis crowds fans are the most obnoxious and unforgiving fans of any sports:devil

 

[GameSetAndMath]

That's a great point about Seles, a player whose career was ruined by a lunatic. I'd also agree about WCs being a special treat for homegrown youngsters to get experience in their home slam, and if not them, then especially deserving players who haven't made the main draw, either due to injuries, or had a great run in the qualies.

What are the chances that RG will do the decent thing? They might, you know, but it wouldn't surprise me to see Maria striding brazenly onto Court Lenglen on the first day of play... :nono

If they're so brazen to grant her a WC, don't believe for a minute she'll be on Lenglen. She will be on Chatrier where they can sell more tickets :speechless:

I think their thoughts are that folks will line up just to come out to boo her..if she thinks they're gonna be a standing ovation or applause, she really hasn't been paying attention..tennis crowds fans are the most obnoxious and unforgiving fans of any sports:devil

It does not matter whether the crowds come to admire her or boo her. Either way, they can sell tickets. That would be the calculation on the part of FFT folks.

 

[Kieran]

I think the FFT will do the right thing. Call it a hunch, but I think they will. But they're probably delaying the decision until 15 May in the hope the decision will be taken out of their hands by results...

 

[Hoergren]

Here part of an article - which you can click into below:

Maria Sharapova is likely to get a wild card into French Open qualifying, not the main draw, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Bernard Giudicelli, the new president of the French Tennis Federation (FFT), had indicated that his organization was unsure about whether to provide the Russian with entry into the tournament as she returns from an anti-doping suspension.

He described the decision in a social-media interview as "complicated," adding that the organization puts a million-and-a-half euros into anti-doping.

Offering Sharapova a qualifying wild card could be seen as a compromise, allowing the five-time Grand Slam champion back into competition while upholding the FFT's anti-doping stand.

Read article here:
Article about FO

AND if that goes through another one of my predictions for 2017 gets true: Sharapova playing quallies at least once.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I think the FFT will do the right thing. Call it a hunch, but I think they will. But they're probably delaying the decision until 15 May in the hope the decision will be taken out of their hands by results...

No, the entry to the tourney is decided six weeks before the GS based on the rankings six weeks before. It is only the seeding that get determined just a week before. Six weeks before RG, Maria has 0 points and thus is unranked. Hence, she is not even eligible to enter the qualifying tourney based on her ranking. This would remain the same even if she wins Stutgart, Madrid and Rome. She is totally at the mercy of FFT.