Martina Navratilova has shown her support for Maria Sharapova, saying it seems an "honest mistake," according to Kevin Coulson of EUROSPORT. The nine-time Wimbledon champion tweeted that she hopes the matter "gets cleared up."
Jennifer Capriati was "less sympathetic, however, in a series of posts" on Twitter. She wrote, "I'm extremely angry and disappointed. I had to lose my career and never opted to cheat no matter what. I had to throw in the towel and suffer."
Andy Murray's former coach Brad Gilbert blamed Sharapova's team for the oversight, saying that he was "still stunned that nobody on Shazza team checked new list from WADA, players are responsible but this is big time oversight on team as well."
There was "plenty of support" for the Russian. Former player James Blake "insisted it was the right decision for Sharapova to take responsibility for her actions and announce it publicly."
Another American player, Ryan Harrison, praised Sharapova's handling of the situation in "glowing" terms:
Former heptathlete Kelly Sotherton was "less sympathetic." Like Capriati, she alluded to the fact that Sharapova "appears to be receiving special treatment thanks to her status and image."
(
EUROSPORT, 3/8).
WILLIAMS OFFERS PRAISE: The SYDNEY MORNING HERALD reported Serena Williams said that Sharapova "showed a lot of courage" in taking responsibility for her failed drug test. She said on Tuesday she "hoped for the best" for Sharapova. Williams: "I think most people were surprised and shocked by Maria, but at the same time I think most people were happy that she was upfront and very honest and showed a lot of courage to admit to what she had done and what she had neglected to look at. As Maria said, she's ready to take full responsibility and I think that showed a lot of courage and a lot of heart, and I think she's always showed courage and heart in everything she's done and this is no different" (SMH, 3/9). In Melbourne, Pearce & Siracusa reported "high-profile" former tennis official Richard Ings praised the "brilliant presser by Sharapova. That's the play book if you ever face a positive drugs test. Transparent and sorry." Former U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe "also voiced his opinion" on Twitter.
Former British No.1 Andrew Castle agreed.
(
THE AGE, 3/8).
'GAME-CHANGER': The BBC reported Sharapova's former coach, Nick Bollettieri, said that her failed drug test is a "game-changer for life, not just for tennis." He added, "Everybody must accept responsibilities for everything they do in life." Bollettieri said he believed Sharapova had made a "very honest mistake" and "had not taken the drug to gain an unfair advantage" (BBC, 3/8). Australian tennis player Matt Ebden also addressed the news on Twitter.
