Murray: No Slam wildcards for Maria

World No.1 Andy Murray does not believe that Maria Sharapova should be given a wildcard to either the French Open or Wimbledon. Speaking ahead of the Madrid Open, the Brit argued that the Slams do not need the attention that Sharapova brings in the way that smaller WTA events do.

“Loads of press went there [Stuttgart] to cover the event – whereas the Slams don’t need that coverage,” Murray told the BBC.

“It probably doesn’t change their event much either way, so they have a different decision to make.”

Murray’s comments come after widespread speculation that Sharapova would be awarded a wildcard into French Open qualifying. The Russian, who made her return from a 15-month doping ban at Stuttgart last week, is currently ranked at world No.262, outside the automatic qualifying spots (cut-off is around 200).

“The French are going to make their decision soon [15 May],” Murray continued. “It looks like it is only going to be a matter of time before she is in the main competition by right anyway, based on how she played last week.”

“There is something to be said for working your way back up. In reality it’s not a six-month or 12-month process.”

Murray is one of a number of players who have questioned Sharapova’s return to the sport in recent weeks. Following her first round exit in Istanbul, Eugenie Bouchard called for athletes suspended for doping to be banned from competing in perpetuity.