View Full Version : Maria Sharapova
Josephine
09-05-2017, 00:14
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-4486176/Maria-Sharapova-danger-missing-Wimbledon.html
'I was actually quite inspired before the match because I had a lot of players coming up to me privately wishing me good luck, players I don't normally speak to, getting a lot of texts from people in the tennis world that were just rooting for me,' said Bouchard.
I couldn't watch the match as I won't pay for BT Sport, but I've seen a few bits online. That shriek from Sharapova which gets louder at crucial moments should be called as hindrance. What a racket! :grrr::thumbup:
I agree. If Sharapova shrieked like that on one point she might well be penalised for hindrance but because she does it on every point she gets away with it - crazy!
suttontennis
09-05-2017, 07:35
Bouchard played well, although Sharapova did rather hand it to her on a plate. Hope that Bouchard can take some confidence from this as she's a far better player than he ranking. ref. Sharapova's shrieking - I normally can't watch her matches due to the noise (her v Azarenka would be a nightmare for me), but to be fair, the commentators pointed out that there's no time wasting from Maria when she's serving, she doesn't take 6 balls and pick two, and she doesn't run to the towel when her opponent has served a DF.
sir coolerking
09-05-2017, 08:20
So because she's not a time waster it's ok to shriek? I watched a fair bit and I'd forgotten what she was like.
Bouchard continues to be the Kournikova of her time, showing just enough form to keep herself in the limelight and earn the model shoots she so clearly craves. The question is, can she continue to show this level of focus without Sharapova at the other end. I doubt it.
Josephine
09-05-2017, 08:24
Things may have changed but in the past I have watched Sharapova take ages to build up to a serve and then serve first faults or double faults many times. Nearly fell asleep waiting for the point to start!
suttontennis
09-05-2017, 08:38
So because she's not a time waster it's ok to shriek? I watched a fair bit and I'd forgotten what she was like.
Bouchard continues to be the Kournikova of her time, showing just enough form to keep herself in the limelight and earn the model shoots she so clearly craves. The question is, can she continue to show this level of focus without Sharapova at the other end. I doubt it.
No, it's not ok for Sharapova for shriek, she ain't the only one who uses it though. Which also doesn't make it right. I'm still undecided on whether to be 'for' or 'against' her. I admire her determination to put this behind her, and I also think the WTA tour needs her as much as she needs tennis. They are rather short on poster players at the moment.
sir coolerking
09-05-2017, 08:48
If the best story in Women's Tennis is the return of a Drugs Cheat then they've got issues - and you're right, I think they do.
I envisage Wimbledon officials having a very difficult decision to make. If she was returning from injury then a Wildcard would be a no brainer, but she's not.......although anything like last night's match on Centre Court would make for great entertainment (on mute).
C'mon Maria - she's done her time as far as I'm concerned.
I have to agree RB, no point in banging on about it IMO. I have never been a Sharapova fan but I do admire her fight .... and I can't stand Bouchard so I wanted Masha to win. As for the 'shrieking', nope don't like it but it's suuuuuch old news and it ain't gonna change :sleepy:
greatunclebulgaria
09-05-2017, 14:25
Disgusted:angry::angry::angry::angry::angry::angry : for flames sakes she is a drugs cheat, she is not returning from an injury, where is the disincentive for younger/less well known players
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39859518
Okay - she's done her time. Whether that was long enough is a matter of opinion but to welcome her back with open arms and bend over backwards to give her wild cards - as Birmingham has done - is just wrong in my book. It sends all the wrong messages to youngsters just starting out in tennis and in sport in general. I appreciate that she puts bums on seats but does that justify it - absolutely not!
Personally I cant understand how it puts bums on seats...I certainly wouldn't pay to go and see her!
Either before or after her ban!
banskogirl
09-05-2017, 15:33
Personally I cant understand how it puts bums on seats...I certainly wouldn't pay to go and see her!
Either before or after her ban!
I agree! Would the seats really be empty without her?! I also don't think it's a matter of getting over it and giving over. People would get over it faster IMHO if they stopped treating her differently. When she has earned the points then she should be back fair and square.
Sadly, I think the fact that she is blonde and leggy has a lot to do with it too.
Personally I cant understand how it puts bums on seats...I certainly wouldn't pay to go and see her!
Either before or after her ban!
No maybe not, but she has a massive fan base who would. Like it or not she is a massive draw for tournaments.
Okay - she's done her time. Whether that was long enough is a matter of opinion but to welcome her back with open arms and bend over backwards to give her wild cards - as Birmingham has done - is just wrong in my book. It sends all the wrong messages to youngsters just starting out in tennis and in sport in general. I appreciate that she puts bums on seats but does that justify it - absolutely not!
I don't agree with the wildcards she's being given either but there are lots of things I don't agree with about business decisions in sport. It's the LTA's decision anyway, not Birmingham's although of course they would have had a big say. She has been the biggest draw at the Birmingham tournament for many years now and kept coming back even when no other top players came.
themass15
10-05-2017, 12:17
This year they have 8 of the top 10 in Birmingham so surely they aren't reliant on her.
JAMES4578
15-05-2017, 18:17
Sharapova may never have appealed to some , however she's probably still the biggest draw in Birmingham for many fans. Anyway with her win over McHale in Rome today apparently Maria now guaranteed a place in Wimbledon qualifying (https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sharapova-triumphs-eve-french-open-141635190.html) ,though main draw another matter. French Open to make their decision tomorrow.
I think that will be a great relief to the LTA. Surely the won't give her a WC to the main draw - will they?
The announcement will be made at 6pm (18.00pm) today on Facebook.
I think that will be a great relief to the LTA. Surely the won't give her a WC to the main draw - will they?
I am sure Maria has to get to the semi-finals in Rome to qualify for the main draw.............. yes I think I am reading it right.... correct me if I am wrong ....... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39924713
I am sure Maria has to get to the semi-finals in Rome to qualify for the main draw.............. yes I think I am reading it right.... correct me if I am wrong ....... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39924713
Well, fair enough if she does and I am probably being curmudgeonly in hoping that she doesn't ......... but then I'm not a fan!
I'm not at all a Shreiky fan but now she has got into Wimby qualies, I would give her a MDWC just so she doesn't put out genuine journey women and destroy their 2017 Wimby dream. They need the points more than her too.
Headline from BBC Sport: Maria Sharapova: French Open decides against giving former champion a wildcard.
Josephine
16-05-2017, 17:22
Bravo French Open - a bit of guts at last re this situation.
"There can be a wild card for return from injuries; there cannot be a wild card for return from doping." -FFT's Giudicelli on Sharapova.
Well done to the French Open - I really hope Wimbledon follows suit. Meanwhile, I see she's on Centre Court again today - grrr!
I'm not at all a Shreiky fan but now she has got into Wimby qualies, I would give her a MDWC just so she doesn't put out genuine journey women and destroy their 2017 Wimby dream. They need the points more than her too.
I wouldn't. I would chose the best of the players in qualifying and advance them to the main draw, giving their qualifying spot to somebody deserving further down the rankings.
Headline from BBC Sport: Maria Sharapova: French Open decides against giving former champion a wildcard.
Very impressive. Wimbledon and other tournaments are you watching?
Fabulous from the French!!
I wouldn't. I would chose the best of the players in qualifying and advance them to the main draw, giving their qualifying spot to somebody deserving further down the rankings.
Hmm I don't see how that would work - unless you're planning on throwing Maria out of the qualifying tournament... (now there's a plan!)
JAMES4578
16-05-2017, 17:56
Well I'm one disagreeing with the decision but it's the French Open's call to make, feel Sharapova should've got WC into qualifying.
Hmm I don't see how that would work - unless you're planning on throwing Maria out of the qualifying tournament... (now there's a plan!)
Helen suggested she was given a main draw wild card to avoid somebody being put out of qualifying by her. I think if there is a spare main draw WC - just give it to somebody further down, and move everyone but Sharapova up one.
Well I'm one disagreeing with the decision but it's the French Open's call to make, feel Sharapova should've got WC into qualifying.
Why? She didn't have a high enough ranking to get into qualifying at the cut of date. Her fault, nobody else's, and that would deprive somebody who had earned it of a qualifying spot.
Why? She didn't have a high enough ranking to get into qualifying at the cut of date. Her fault, nobody else's, and that would deprive somebody who had earned it of a qualifying spot.
I agree. Why penalise anyone else? (The reason I sadly came to my conclusion to bump her up to Wimby MD)
As I understand it, she has qualified in her own right for the qualifying at Wimbledon - fair enough. I will be incredibly disappointed if they give her a WC into the main draw.
Meanwhile Lucic-Baroni has taken the first set.
JAMES4578
16-05-2017, 18:34
Why? She didn't have a high enough ranking to get into qualifying at the cut of date. Her fault, nobody else's, and that would deprive somebody who had earned it of a qualifying spot.
Maybe technically not but in my opinion still case due to her pedigree and she has served sentence, however obviously minority view here.
As I understand it, she has qualified in her own right for the qualifying at Wimbledon - fair enough. I will be incredibly disappointed if they give her a WC into the main draw.
She has qualified - or will have when she has a ranking at the end of this week. If she hadn't I would say, no WC at all. Drugs shouldn't pay etc. The only reason I think that it would be a good idea is so that the girls who face her in qualies don't lose precious points and money by coming up against her. Points and money that they need alot more than Shreiky does. It's not ideal, but for me it's the lesser of two evils.
roytennisfan
16-05-2017, 19:04
Maybe technically not but in my opinion still case due to her pedigree and she has served sentence, however obviously minority view here.
I'm with you james, the bookies had her as second favorite behind Halep and as a past double champion I think she had served her punishment and is being punished again. BTW I have tickets for the French Final so I want to see the best players compete.
roytennisfan
16-05-2017, 19:07
Meanwhile Lucic-Baroni has taken the first set.
Must have been devastating news to receive, i'm sure she expected to be given a wc, especially with all the dramatics and delay just before you go on to play
Helen suggested she was given a main draw wild card to avoid somebody being put out of qualifying by her. I think if there is a spare main draw WC - just give it to somebody further down, and move everyone but Sharapova up one.
Yes but she'd still be in qualies because of her ranking.
If she goes far enough in Rome she'll be in the main draw anyway.
exislander
16-05-2017, 19:26
Sharapova retires injured.
JAMES4578
16-05-2017, 19:31
Sharapova retires with thigh injury at 2-1 in 3rd so would need WC for Wimbledon main draw but not qualifying. Lucic Baroni was expected to face Kerber next but she's gone out to qualifer 6-4, 6-0!
WTA not happy about the FFT decision.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39946833
Hmm - IMO she's not being penalised, she's just not getting preferential treatment.
Hmm - IMO she's not being penalised, she's just not getting preferential treatment.
Absolutely!
banskogirl
17-05-2017, 22:02
I'm with you james, the bookies had her as second favorite behind Halep and as a past double champion I think she had served her punishment and is being punished again. BTW I have tickets for the French Final so I want to see the best players compete.
Sorry Roy but I can't see how she is being punished again? Her ranking points now are the consequence of her actions. Not making the cut is another consequence :( anything else would be gifting bad behaviour IMHO anyway.
She is not being punished. She is very lucky to be playing as many people including Chris Kermode, believe anyone who cheats should be banned for life. The players who match fix are.
roytennisfan
18-05-2017, 09:30
She is not being punished. She is very lucky to be playing as many people including Chris Kermode, believe anyone who cheats should be banned for life. The players who match fix are.
I think the people who call her a cheat are entitled to their own opinion, but if people bother to read the findings, she was not found to have deliberately taken a banned substance. I stand by my comment she was being punished again, Maria met the criteria for a WC more than anyone, both as a two times French champion and on her current form (ok she isn't French). I am wholeheartedly against cheats, I booed Gatlin in London, i think Armstrong is another big one! I don't class Maria in that category. I have doubts about Wiggins and many others using TUE's which I think should either be made public or banned. Incidentally both Williams sisters have been taking multiple banned drugs for years, amongst a lot of others, but I am certainly not calling them cheats. I am also not naive enough to think that a lot of other sportspeople take supplements not dissimilar to what Maria was taking which haven't yet been investigated and banned mainly because not enough is done worldwide over a number of sports to stop cheats.
We all loved Simone Biles and how she was the most outstanding gymnast in years ....but then it came out that she had been taking a banned drug which helps her concentration - all legally of course because she had a problem which "justified" a TUE. She ....and Wiggins ...and thousands of others...would they still have performed as well without taking the banned drugs?
here is a bbc report extract 'TUEs are open to abuse'
The records released mostly detail TUEs, which allow banned substances to be taken for athletes' verified medical needs.
Canadian law professor and sports lawyer McLaren told BBC World Service: "One would have to conduct investigations on specific sports as to whether or not too many TUEs are being used with respect to particular substances.
"One of the common TUEs is for ADHD medication - there may be abuse there.
"That's one area that probably needs to be looked at - how frequently are [certain medicines] being used in particular sports?
Methylphenidate, for example, is a stimulant that helps improve brain function in people with ADHD, but it could also help improve an athlete's performance and is only allowed to be used by elite performers with medical approval.
Josephine
18-05-2017, 09:46
Why was Maria taking meldonium?
Of course, you are entitled to your opinion, roytf, but what other athletes are or aren't taking has absolutely nothing to do with Sharapova's case. I don't see that Armstrong, Gatlin, Simone Biles or Bradley Wiggins has any bearing on it at all. I understand that you feel she merited a wild card on her previous performances at RG and I think that would certainly have been true if she had been coming back from injury but coming back from a ban - absolutely not. Like it or not, she has served a ban for taking an illegal drug and welcoming her back with open arms sends all the wrong messages. I agree that there are many other athletes worthy of suspicion and the banned list is constantly being updated but those who want to cheat will always find a way round the rules. Oh, and by the way, I did read the findings - in full.
My question is why was it kept a secret before it was banned. If nothing else it highly dangerous as no one except her father and agent knew which drugs she was taking so that she could have been prescribed something by a doctor which could have a bad reaction to meldonium or any of the other drugs she admitted to taking.
My question is if she really needed it, what is she on now to manage her health problems?
supergran
18-05-2017, 11:52
Of course everyone is entitled to an opinion, goes without saying but what annoys me are the expressions "She has served the ban", " She has been punished". Yes, she has but serving a sentence for a wrongdoing doesn't magically eliminate the crime. I find it amazing that just because Maria has served out the ban then she is fine in her supporters' eyes. Sorry, but she still took a banned substance.
Right, we are not going round on this again.
There is bound to be a reaction to the announcement from Roland Garros, Hawkeye. Everybody has a view and, yes, we've been here before but if people feel they want to comment on Maria being hard done by, I feel that others have the right to reply.
supergran
18-05-2017, 13:15
Right, we are not going round on this again.
Why not? It's still a hot topic.
RosieBear
18-05-2017, 13:46
I'm not particularly a fan of Maria but I definitely think she should be allowed to move on. When people are released from prison the view is not that their wrongdoing has magically been erased from history, but that person has served their debt to society and now has the right to get on with their lives/business. The authorities set the ban (think it worked out at more than a month for every week she was in contravention of the rules), Maria served it, personally I don't feel any need to stigmatise further.
I'm not particularly a fan of Maria but I definitely think she should be allowed to move on. When people are released from prison the view is not that their wrongdoing has magically been erased from history, but that person has served their debt to society and now has the right to get on with their lives/business. The authorities set the ban (think it worked out at more than a month for every week she was in contravention of the rules), Maria served it, personally I don't feel any need to stigmatise further. yes I agree no further stigmatisation but be treated just like everyone else and earn her way back in and up the rankings. No favours please!
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39967123) - Maria Sharapova signs two-year Birmingham deal
The 30-year-old former world number one has been given a wildcard for the event in June having fallen down the world rankings after a 15-month drugs ban.
The LTA says it is not paying the Russian an appearance fee.
"This wasn't a decision we took lightly and not everyone will agree with it," said LTA chief Michael Downey.
There is bound to be a reaction to the announcement from Roland Garros, Hawkeye. Everybody has a view and, yes, we've been here before but if people feel they want to comment on Maria being hard done by, I feel that others have the right to reply.
The discussion had moved away from the FO discussion and back to whether or not she was a cheat.
david1610
18-05-2017, 20:55
IF she has been punished and is now back, then she is technically rehabilitated and should not suffer any more punishment. However, she also should not get any special favours. Given her level of play, she only needs a few tournaments to get her ranking up. Qualifying for a GS on merit seems to be treating her fairly.
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39967123) - Maria Sharapova signs two-year Birmingham deal
I am not at all surprised to hear this. She played Birmingham for years, supporting the tournament when other top players didn't bother with it so she was their only top draw during that time. I guess they might think it's payback time (yes, I know she will be payed well for it).
sir coolerking
19-05-2017, 10:40
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39967123) - Maria Sharapova signs two-year Birmingham deal
Has Redknapp said what position he intends to play her???
Has Redknapp said what position he intends to play her???
:laugh: :thumbup:
Has Redknapp said what position he intends to play her???
You can bet your bottom dollar she would be a diver........
Tweets........
Stuart FraserVerified account @stu_fraser 1h1 hour ago
More
Stuart Fraser Retweeted Maria Sharapova
Sharapova: "I will also be playing the Qualifying of Wimbledon in Roehampton, and will not be requesting a wild card into the main draw."
Mike DicksonVerified account @Mike_Dickson_DM 44m44 minutes ago
More
Maria Sharapova won't apply for Wimbledon main draw wildcard.
Quite simple: it was privately made clear she had no chance of getting one.
Well done Wimbledon! I am sure she will come through qualifying but that's as it should be in my book. It may well work in her favour and make her stronger for the main draw.
If anyone is interested in tickets for the Wimbledon qualifying rounds, they're going to be charging £5 (according to the BBC website).
I am not at all surprised to hear this. She played Birmingham for years, supporting the tournament when other top players didn't bother with it so she was their only top draw during that time. I guess they might think it's payback time (yes, I know she will be payed well for it).
In the article it states she will not get apperance fees.
Maria will now miss the entire grass court season due to injury. Her next scheduled tournament is Stanford.
david1610
10-06-2017, 23:24
Is it mean to point out the irony of her getting injured now she suddenly is not taking a cocktail of pills every day? Could there be any correlation or just two random events?
As Maria is now injured and won't be playing in the qualifying rounds for Wimbledon, will the BBC still be showing it?
Surely the BBC will be showing it with Brits presumably playing in them.
themass15
11-06-2017, 13:58
I thought it was Eurosport that was showing the qualies or are both channels covering it?
It was announced last month that the BBC would be showing it, but I think they would only be showing the ones that Eurosport didn't want to show.
I've sent an email to the BBC asking them if they still plan to show the qualifying rounds or not.
exislander
12-06-2017, 11:05
This is from the Wimbledon site:
"How do I follow it?
For the first time, live coverage of one court will be available via Wimbledon.com and the AELTC’s broadcast partners, including the BBC and Eurosport in the UK, and ESPN in the US.
Wimbledon.com and the official apps also feature live point by point coverage and live updates from throughout the qualifying competition."
If the BBC were to drop the coverage following Sharapova's withdrawal, they would lay themselves open to all sorts of adverse publicity. I really don't think they would be prepared to risk that.
Though I still haven't received a reply from the BBC, they have confirmed they will be showing the qualifying rounds.
themass15
14-06-2017, 12:40
Not Maria Sharapova related but from the Wimbledon website
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/40268113
Maria is playing in Stanford this week and her first match is against an American, not before 3.00am 1st August (UK time)
roytennisfan
01-08-2017, 20:16
She won in 3
Maria withdraws before her second round match with an arm injury.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/40808941
supergran
02-08-2017, 22:48
Am I bothered?:whistle:
JAMES4578
03-08-2017, 19:08
Sharapova has now also pulled out of Toronto, the "comeback" is not exactly going to plan. http://www.sport24.co.za/Tennis/WTATour/sharapova-pulls-out-of-toronto-with-left-arm-injury-20170803
RoastLamb
09-09-2017, 13:21
Interesting Guardian article/interview about Sharapova. (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/09/maria-sharapova-failing-drug-test-felt-trapped-tricked) I still don't like her tho'.
Interesting Guardian article/interview about Sharapova. (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/09/maria-sharapova-failing-drug-test-felt-trapped-tricked) I still don't like her tho'.
I don't like her much either but it is an interesting read.
RoastLamb
09-09-2017, 22:36
All that negative ****** stuff about Serena. Just horrendous. I'm no Serena fan myself but I am kinda happy Serena has her number.
Josephine
10-09-2017, 11:50
I read the magazine.
She is utterly unlikeable but perhaps due to being feted from such a young age.
And nonsense that rivals can't be friends. Look at Sloane and Madison last night and many other examples. Serena is friendly with several players and was delighted these 2 (still her potential rivals) were in the final.
RoastLamb
10-09-2017, 13:40
Hmmm but part of me thinks Serena would have felt differently about Sloane had Sloane beaten HER in the final yesterday. :lol:
From what I can tell, the other players seem to like Serena, whereas none of them seem to have a good word to say about Maria. I think that speaks volumes.
Hasn't Martina Hingis admitted that one of the reasons she retired (in addition to her injury) was because of hard hitters like the Williams sisters and she would be less likely to win a slam and it was to win slams that she was in tennis for.
Josephine
10-09-2017, 15:39
Hmmm but part of me thinks Serena would have felt differently about Sloane had Sloane beaten HER in the final yesterday. :lol:
Well of course she would. That is natural. But she had the class to tweet how pleased she was at their success.
Serena WilliamsVerified account @serenawilliams Sep 8
What a joy it will be to watch this- hopefully first of many finals. Let's go ladies! ❤️❤️❤️
These amazing women continue to change the game and bring excellence, power, finesse and change to tennis.
There are NO words to describe how proud and how happy I am for @Madison_Keys keys and @SloaneStephens for making the US open finals.
She is utterly unlikeable but perhaps due to being feted from such a young age.
I'm not Shreiky fan although I will admit to being fascinated by the article.
I think that all the rejection she had for being good and foreign has made her really hard (For better or worse) It's a shame for her really (All the money in the world cannot make you happy). She seems to have a drive that's unrelentless which is good for her bank balance, but maybe is just a way to hide her pain and loneliness. I know several people that keep themselves busy to keep from feeling negative emotions and maybe she's just another one.
JAMES4578
10-09-2017, 17:25
I think both Maria and Serena have been happy to exchange a few barbs throughout the years, think generally there have been less friendships on the women's tour in recent years and whilst rivals can be friends wouldn't be beneficial for everyone. WTA Drama (http://lastwordonsports.com/2016/01/06/196089/) Sharapova may always have been be a bit cool with her fellow pros but don't think she really cares if she's not flavour of the month and does have firm fan base. . Whilst not big fan can admire her drive and leaving home country behind at early age, in other point don't believe for a minute that Serena wasn't a bit annoyed when Sloane beat Venus.
I've never been a Maria fan and the article hasn't made me any more well disposed to her. I do, however, think it must have been very hard to leave her country and her mother at 6 years old - although, if the article is to be believed, it was at her own volition.
I don't think that you really know what you are doing as a 6 year old, or the life/personal impact it will have. It doesn't make me like her more, but maybe understand her more. I know quite a few people who have had rough childhoods and they certainly don't come across as well as her. I guess it was her choice so at least she hasn't got that bit of abuse, but then was it her choice or did she have pushy parents?
RoastLamb
10-09-2017, 21:45
And the bit about sharing her Dad's bed and not seeing her Mum for three years. I'm sure it was kosher but still creeps me out a tad.
In many cultures families live at close quarters. Maybe it's normal in the Russian culture too.
As far as I am concerned she is was a cheat, is a cheat and she shouldn't have been allowed to play again. The ITF thought differently, which is their right. I happen to think their decision was wrong.
If you're going on a highly publicised promotional tour for your book then at least be prepared to answer legitimate questions. Did you find a replacement for Meldonium? (https://twitter.com/duplagreska/status/908401540276334594)
goldfish
14-09-2017, 22:08
If you're going on a highly publicised promotional tour for your book then at least be prepared to answer legitimate questions. Did you find a replacement for Meldonium? (https://twitter.com/duplagreska/status/908401540276334594)
'....openly and honestly ..' hahahahaha
RoastLamb
15-09-2017, 00:54
In many cultures families live at close quarters. Maybe it's normal in the Russian culture too.
They do in my husband's Indian culture BUT it's rare that the dad will sleep with the daughter alone. I'm sure it was fine but it just strikes me as odd.
Josephine
16-09-2017, 12:14
I think up to a certain age it is not a big deal. Obviously after a certain point it is not fine.
Kyrgios said he shared a bunk bed with his grandmother. Think we can consider this normal and innocent so same thing really.
They do in my husband's Indian culture BUT it's rare that the dad will sleep with the daughter alone. I'm sure it was fine but it just strikes me as odd.
Maybe culture mixed with lack of cash?
WimbledonWestie
16-09-2017, 18:46
I'm reading the book just now- it was deffo a cash issue. They came to America with nothing and had it tough for a good few years. I'm just reaching the part where she starts to break through on tour.
Makes sense.
I'm still not a fan, but I get that that was a sacrifice they had to make at that time, and it must have been tough with no guarantees of reward.
I appreciate that she travelled a difficult road to success but so have many, many athletes. I don't think that in any way excuses her behaviour.
WimbledonWestie
16-09-2017, 22:58
Oh im not condoning what she did, was really just responding to the bed sharing theme. They were very much living hand to mouth for a few years and without the lucky help of some well meaning strangers might have had to give up . Keeping an open mind till I read whole book.
angiebabez
17-09-2017, 07:31
I wouldnt line that arrogant cheats pockets anymore by spending my well earned cash on buying her lousy book.
WimbledonWestie
17-09-2017, 07:58
My nose got the better of me lol.
Sigh, it's so easy to judge, but I certainly didn't 'grow up' until much later in life (if we ever grow up) then where she is now.
I'm not saying I like her or the way she's acted, or condone it. However, we all have different pressures and messages given to us in our formative years about right, wrong, how to manage situations, treat people. We don't know what was said, whether she was under pressure from Russia. Heck, maybe some of us might even have made bad decisions ourselves in her high pressure situation. None of us are perfect, I'm certainly not. I won't ever support her, but I am prepared to cut her human side a little slack.
Josephine
17-09-2017, 09:14
Well she wasn't that young when she wrote virtually racist things about Serena.
Sigh, it's so easy to judge, but I certainly didn't 'grow up' until much later in life (if we ever grow up) then where she is now.
I'm not saying I like her or the way she's acted, or condone it. However, we all have different pressures and messages given to us in our formative years about right, wrong, how to manage situations, treat people. We don't know what was said, whether she was under pressure from Russia. Heck, maybe some of us might even have made bad decisions ourselves in her high pressure situation. None of us are perfect, I'm certainly not. I won't ever support her, but I am prepared to cut her human side a little slack.
Good for you Helen - you are far more magnanimous than I am! For all her money and fame, she comes across to me as a rather lonely and unhappy woman and I really do think that is of her own making.
goldfish
02-10-2017, 21:41
I am certainly not a fan of Maria Sharapova but I am happy to see a good side (yes she can afford it, yes it's good publicity but for once I'm taking it at face value) -
Less than 12 months ago I visited the beautiful island of Puerto Rico as the guest of Monica Puig for her exhibition match. I fell in love with the island, the people and the culture. From a distance, it is incredibly devastating to see how much the island and people are suffering. I have been following all the amazing and heartfelt work Monica has been doing for the island and I will continue to support her fund raising efforts. All profits beginning today through the end of the year from Sugarpova.com will go directly to support Monica's fund. She has raised close to $100K and we will continue to grow that number all together. Please visit http://www.youcaring.com/donatewithmonica for all information about Monica's fund, as well as Sugarpova.com from which all proceeds will go directly to helping Puerto Rico.
I ❤️ you ����!!
Maria Sharapova won her first WTA title in more than two years at the Tianjin Open on Sunday, showing plenty of grit and determination as she came from behind in each set to beat Belarusian teenager Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-6(8).
Surely, it would have been more of a surprise if she hadn't beaten the teenager?
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/cheating-lens-on-sharapova-187920
It looks as though Sharapova is in hot water again.
Josephine
22-11-2017, 19:15
Guess she won't be going back there. Well I suppose it makes a change from endorsing sickly sweet products for children.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/cheating-lens-on-sharapova-187920
It looks as though Sharapova is in hot water again.
I've really tried to like her and be magnanimous. (As I've made mistakes in my life and bad decisions). I get that she might have been ignorant or under pressure from her country to take her drugs (albeit legally initially). However, to shaft people when she was already a millionaire, I just don't get. I'm now pretty angry and disappointed in her. Money and no scruples don't make for a happy life, I guess she's reaping what she sowed.
MaSha out of Indian Wells.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/47236766
Maria calls it a day.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51647687
suttontennis
26-02-2020, 14:52
Maria calls it a day.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51647687
I'll always remember Maria's sheer determination and will to win rather than her tennis ability. Her lack of movement and volleying skills probably stopped her being considered as one of the best, but boy could she put up a fight ! I won't miss the noise or the serve preparation, I will miss the glamour she brought to Tennis.
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