Why it was important for Sharapova to make the first serve
Yet another doping scandal. But this was quite different. One of the most iconic and recognizable tennis players in the world, Maria Sharapova admitted to testing positive for banned substance Meldonium.
On Monday, Sharapova called a press conference, which was streamed live online from a ‘not so glittery’ hotel in Los Angeles. Many speculated her retirement. Some guessed marriage. The fact that the real objective was not known meant the room was not packed. Boy, it would have been filled had they known already!
The former world number one admitted to testing positive for banned substance Meldonium at this year’s Australian Open.
“I did fail the test and take full responsibility for it. It is very important for you to understand that, for 10 years, this medicine was not on WADA’s banned list and I had been legally taking that medicine for the past 10 years. But, on 1 January, the rules changed and Meldonium became a prohibited substance, which I had not known.”
An email was circulated to all the players about the change of rules. Sharapova had failed to see this and continued the prescription which contained the substance. However unfortunate, she only has herself to blame for the fiasco. This brings us back to the press conference.
Sharapova called the press conference to reveal this news because she wanted to be in control of the situation and not the other way around. Usually the news reaches the tabloids and then the athlete goes on the defense about not being aware or having been prescribed wrongly. The spotlight is immense. Remember Marion Jones? But Sharapova and her team planned it out well. The Russian has set an example on how to handle such situations. Having watched the event, I felt an admiration for Sharapova. She was her usual self. They way she handled the news was commendable. She even managed to joke about the “ugly carpet” of the hotel.
“I know many of you thought that I would be retiring today, but if I was ever going to announce my retirement it would not be in a downtown Los Angeles hotel with this fairly ugly carpet.”
Sharapova has been provincially suspended and faces certain ban from the game. An offense is an offense. Nike, Tag Heur and Porche has already put her contract on hold. The rest will follow soon. Sharapova, the brand will take a hit. The Russian beauty will loose millions. But one thing is sure she has kept her chin up and gets top marks for her composure.
