Billie Jean King defends Maria Sharapova
Билли защищает Марию.
А ее мнение стоит больше чем мнения Каро, Кербер, Доми, Кики, Уотсон и другие, вместе взятых.
Интересно - Билли, Эверт, Навратилова защищают Марию, а "великие теннисистки" Каро, Кербер, Доми, Кики, Уотсон нет.
March 29 2017, 15:54
Former world number one Billie Jean King has come out in defence of Maria Sharapova, saying the Russian has served her time.
Sharapova was initially banned for two years after failing a doping test before having it reduced to 15 months on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Her suspension now runs out on April 26, and she'll return to action a day later at the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
A number of players have expressed discontent at Sharapova being given wild cards into the biggest tournaments on the WTA Tour - but the legendary King has come out in support of the Russian.
The 73-year-old, 12-times grand slam winner told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I've known her since she was 13 and I know how hard she works. I trust her and I think that she had a tough deal in a way.
"She was very good about it (saying), 'If I broke the rule then I deserve this'.
"I thought she took it well, she took responsibility and she's done what she has to do - whatever the rules, if they want to change rules they should have done it before. They can't change it midstream."
When quizzed on what message Sharapova being given wild cards into the biggest tournaments on the WTA Tour makes, King added: "She's served her time, hasn't she? It's expired. That's all you can do.
"What does the WTA say? Because somebody should really weigh in on that.
"Wow, that's a tough one (having to be a wildcard).
"That's another question now that they've had this dilemma. Now that always brings up (the question), 'Okay, do we need to readdress the rule'.
"But is she good enough? Absolutely."
https://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/news/king-sticks-up-for-sharapova/50333
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