Russians defend compatriot Sharapova

Published by Matt Trollope

Maria Sharapova's US Open run came to an end in the fourth round. Photo: Getty Images
Russians Elena Vesnina, Ekaterina Makarova and Daria Kasatkina have explained why they don’t judge Maria Sharapova harshly for her long-time use of meldonium.

Russian players Elena Vesnina, Ekaterina Makarova and Daria Kasatkina have expressed their surprise at the negative reaction to meldonium, the drug that Maria Sharapova was caught using and which led to her 15-month doping ban.

Their compatriot tested positive to the substance in January 2016 – the first month the drug had been added to the banned list – and revealed she’s been taking it for a decade to manage a host of ailments.

The drug is reportedly widely used and easily accessible in Eastern Europe, which Vesnina explained in an exclusive interview with tennis.com.

“We read everything (about) what happened. We know in Russia what kind of thing is that,” she said.

“It was just a mistake from (Sharapova). It doesn’t mean she was taking it on purpose to help her succeed or something. And this drug, it’s nothing serious. It’s old people taking it back in Russia and Soviet Union countries. It’s to help your heart to feel better in old age.

“It was very strange that a lot of players were so much against her, like she’s a bad person. It’s not like that.

“All the Russians knew what has happened, and that’s why we’re behind Maria. And we didn’t want to put this kind of things on the press like other players did.”

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Other female players, including Eugenie Bouchard and Kristina Mladenovic, have been critical of Sharapova’s conduct, while Caroline Wozniacki has questions the star treatment Sharapova has received – including a US Open wildcard and premier court assignments – since her return to the game.

Makarova said that she and Vesnina had not taken the drug, although Vesnina admitted they had spoken with doctors and specialists about it.

“You can try it. You’re not going to win the Grand Slam,” Vesnina said.

Added Kasatkina: “We’re not critical of (Sharapova) at all.

“For me it’s a bit ridiculous. Because this thing what she was using, in Russia almost every child use this. Because it’s not even doping. It’s just vitamins.

“That’s why Russians are not doing bad things to her or talking bad about her, because it’s just mistake — (although) I don’t know who made this mistake.”

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