Former world number one Martina Navratilova has urged players to stop focusing on Maria Sharapova after the Russian’s recent return from a 15-month doping ban.
Sharapova’s comeback has garnered widespread interest with current and former players offering their opinions on the 30-year-old, including men’s number one Andy Murray and Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard, who accused the Russian of cheating
Bouchard beat Sharapova in the second round of the Madrid Open on Monday.
And she said that she felt partly inspired to win the match against the five-times major champion after receiving private messages of support from ‘people in the tennis world’.
But Navratilova, who won 18 grand slams during a glittering tennis career, has called on players to leave Sharapova alone.
‘I think it’s time for the players to lay off Maria.
‘She made a huge mistake, paid dearly for it, “done the time” and now let’s play ball,’ Navratilova tweeted on her verified account.
Meanwhile World number Serena Williams has been named into the LA 2024 Athletes Advisory Commission. About 46 athletes from different disciplines have made the list.
Four-time Olympic Champion Serena Williams, who grew up playing tennis not far from StubHub Center, which would host tennis in 2024, said: “Growing up in Los Angeles taught me that anyone can succeed as long as they have dreams and goals. Los Angeles embodies the optimistic spirit that allows kids like me to become athletes and Olympians. I am proud to join the LA 2024 Athletes’ Advisory Commission and help bring the Olympics and Paralympics home and inspire the next generation of champions.”
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