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No French Open wildcard for Sharapova


The French Tennis Federation (FFT) revealed the full list of wildcard recipients for men’s and women’s singles – both for the main draw and for qualifying – on Tuesday, but the name of Sharapova did not appear.

Sharapova, who returned to action last month from a 15-month drugs ban, is ranked too low (No.211) to gain direct entry. She won the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen in 2012 and 2014.

“There can be a wildcard for the return from injuries – there cannot be a wildcard for the return from doping,” French Tennis Federation (FFT) chief Bernard Giudicelli Ferrandini said.

“I’m very sorry for Maria, very sorry for her fans,” said Giudicelli Ferrandini, as reported by the BBC. “They might be very disappointed, she might be very disappointed, but it’s my responsibility, my mission, to protect the high standards of the game played without any doubt on the result.”

The French Open begins on May 28.

 


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.