Count Roberta Vinci among the corps of players who oppose Maria Sharapova receiving wild cards in her comeback.
Sharapova plays Vinci in Stuttgart tomorrow in her comeback match after serving a 15-month doping suspension.
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The 34-year-old Vinci joins world No. 1 Andy Murray, former top-ranked players Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber, and Agnieszka Radwanska in expressing opposition to Sharapova—or any player returning from a doping ban—receiving wild cards.
‘I don’t agree about the wild card here and about the wild card in Rome and the other tournaments,” Vinci said. “I don’t have anything against her. She made her mistakes for sure, but she paid and I think she can return to play, but without any wild cards, any help.
“Probably she would play two or three tournaments and be in the top 30 for sure. Probably there are a lot of players who are agreeing with me about the wild card.”
Vinci has won just four games in four career sets against Sharapova.
"It’s an interesting match for sure, a difficult match, a tricky match, but I am happy. I am excited to play against Maria," Vinci said. "For me it’s a normal tournament. I am preparing all in the same way as other tournaments. I will just play my game, stay focused."
The five-time Grand Slam champion has been awarded wild cards into Stuttgart, Rome and Madrid. As a former Grand Slam champion, Sharapova is entitled to unlimited wild cards under WTA rules. Roland Garros will announce its wild cards on May 15th.
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