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Roberta Vinci disagrees with Maria Sharapova’s wildcard return to tennis

STUTTGART – Roberta Vinci probably has not received this much media attention since ending Serena Williams’ bid for a calendar Grand Slam in the US Open semi-finals in 2015.

While Roberta Vinci (above)  acknowledged that Maria Sharapova is a big draw for fans, she is against her method of returning via wildcards. Photo: Teo Teng Kiat

While Roberta Vinci (above) acknowledged that Maria Sharapova is a big draw for fans, she is against her method of returning via wildcards. Photo: Teo Teng Kiat

STUTTGART – Roberta Vinci probably has not received this much media attention since ending Serena Williams’ bid for a calendar Grand Slam in the US Open semi-finals in 2015.

Of course, this is because her opponent on Wednesday (April 26) in the first round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is Maria Sharapova, who is returning from a 15-month doping ban.

The Russian is stepping onto a tennis court for a competitive match the day her suspension – for using the drug meldonium – expires, thanks to a wildcard handed to her.

The five-time Grand Slam champion, who has since dropped out of the WTA rankings, has also been handed wildcards to two upcoming tournaments – Madrid and Rome.

While Vinci acknowledged that her opponent is a big draw for fans, she is against her method of return.

“My personal opinion is not to agree about the wildcard here, and the wildcard in Rome and the other tournaments,” said the Italian at a press conference on Monday (Apr 24), joining the likes of fellow players Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka Radwanska and Andy Murray in being opposed to the wildcards.

“I know she is important for the tennis, WTA (Women’s Tennis Association), everything… She’s of course a great player and I have nothing against her. She has made her mistakes, but she has paid and I think she should be able to play – but without any wildcards.”

If Vinci, ranked 36th in the world, was annoyed that most of the questions directed to her were about Sharapova instead of her own preparations and game, she showed no signs of it.

Fielding the media in a calm, easy-going manner, Vinci added that she is not preparing any differently for Sharapova, who came up tops in their only two previous meetings.

“The important thing is for me to stay focused for every single point,” she asserted.

“Nothing special, just to play my game and try to enjoy (the match).

“It will be an interesting match, for sure, (and a) tricky match, but I am happy (even though it is a) tough draw, tough tournament; I am so excited (to be) playing against her.

“It will be a big match on Wednesday for her, for the tennis… (and) probably a lot of pressure for her.”

Even if Sharapova has not played competitively for a long period, Vinci insisted that the former world no. 1 will not be an easy proposition.

“It’s tough to return after a long time out, (but) she’s probably happy about her comeback and has nothing to lose,” she pointed out.

“She’s a great player, a champion… I think she’s motivated, she wants to come back (strongly), she will be tough.”

Sharapova will be looking to add to her three titles from 2012 to 2014, with the crown currently being held by Kerber, who has won the last two editions.

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