How Maria Sharapova’s Attack on ITF Further Damages Her Reputation Among Peers

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: October 11, 2016

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Maria Sharapova's response to her suspension reduction may salvage her brand, but her attack on the International Tennis Federation could further damage her reputation among her peers.

Monday, Sharapova returned to the court in a World Team Tennis charity exhibition in Las Vegas, an event not sanctioned by the ITF. She can officially return to tennis April 26, 2017. 

In June, the ITF suspended Sharapova for two years for testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. She was also stripped of prize money and rankings points earned during her quarterfinals run at the 2016 Australian Open.

She appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to have her suspension reduced to "time served," which would be eight months. However, CAS only reduced the ban to 15 months and did not restore her points or prize money.

“I’ve gone from one of the toughest days of my career last March when I learned about my suspension to now, one of my happiest days, as I found out I can return to tennis in April," Sharapova said in a statement. 

She then went on a media blitz, spinning the nine-month reduction as a major victory and repudiation of the ITF.

Her suspension-reduction victory tour started with a lengthy letter to fans on Facebook, followed by interviews, including a sit-down with PBS' Charlie Rose. 



Sharapova complained about being treated unfairly and suggested the ITF sought to make an example out of her. In the interview with Rose she positioned herself as the victor, righting a wrong.

Her demeanor was jubilant and somewhat defiant when compared with the somber-faced woman who announced to the world in March that she had tested positive for a banned substance.  

Remember that press conference? Back then, Sharapova said "I take full responsibility" for the situation she found herself in. 

"I take full re...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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