A drugs cheat who should have to work her way back to the top, or a fallen hero who deserves the chance to make amends? As Maria Sharapova, one of the most famous tennis players in the world, makes her return to professional tennis, there is intense scrutiny towards the treatment that she should get. It is a highly-polarising topic that looks set to reach a climax shortly, with a decision set to be made over whether or not Sharapova should receive a wildcard to the French Open.
Background
Ever since bursting onto the scene as a teenager in 2004, Maria Sharapova has become one of the most instantly-recognisable names in sport. Yet Sharapova isn’t limited to tennis, with the Russian known for modelling, and even being the name of one of the most infamous computer viruses in history. Yet after a successful career, her lowest point came in 2016, when she failed a drugs test. Sharapova served a fifteen month ban. In that time, Sharapova saw her ranking plummet to the extent where she is no longer guaranteed a starting position in the tournament. Yet she has been receiving wildcard’s to enter WTA Tour events. While this is a start, the second Grand Slam of the season – the French Open, is fast approaching, with considerable, and often heated, debate being held in regards to whether or not Sharapova is worthy of a wildcard entry.
Cheat
One side of the argument would suggest that Sharapova deliberately cheated in order to try and give herself a competitive advantage over her rivals. Even if she wasn’t aware that the drug she was taking was illegal, even so, she has made a mistake. The wider societal implications should also be considered – it is arguable that it sends out the wrong message if she is welcomed back. For the players that work their entire lives for a shot at glory – is it fair to see a player who has been caught cheating being welcomed back? Many would argue the French Open is a highly-prestigious event, and would risk tarnishing its reputation by pandering to Sharapova. Meanwhile the ranking system exists for a reason – and for Sharapova to appreciate the gravity of her actions – clawing her way up the rankings again is the best way for her to make amends.
Fallen Hero
Yet the alternative argument is that Sharapova should be handed a wildcard entry. Some would argue that she has made such a contribution to tennis – that she deserves a wildcard entry. After all, she is a highly-successful female tennis player. Tournament organisers too could be concerned that without Serena Williams and Sharapova – arguably two of the biggest three names in women’s tennis (Venus Williams continues to impress) will be missing from the event. This presents a similar scenario to golf’s Masters Tournament – who have lost considerable viewing figures in the absence of Tiger Woods. The other argument supporting this notion is that Sharapova has served the ban that was handed to her, and therefore should be given the chance to make amends. It could be a dream scenario for her – with Serena Williams out of the event – she will have a glorious opportunity of success. Ultimately – what is wrong with a second chance? And if she isn’t given an entry this time, surely it is only a matter of time before another Grand Slam offers her an entry – this could just be delaying the inevitable.
Conclusion
What will happen? It could go either way. But the final point that was alluded to is important – surely Sharapova will eventually be given a wildcard entry. But if she is good enough – she will be able to utilise smaller events to obtain a higher rank, which can facilitate her entry into the Grand Slams. Ultimately, it is expected that she will be handed an entry into the event. As shown, there are several points that would both agree and disagree with this outcome. It is simply a matter of waiting to see what happens, either way, it is likely to cause controversy. This again, is an example of the wider societal implication that an episode involving drugs causes.
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Millicent Faith 