France’s Kristina Mladenovic, Maria Sharapova’s semifinal opponent in Stuttgart, Germany, said the former No. 1 is off to a good start in her comeback.
While No. 19 Mladenovic isn’t thrilled that the five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova received a wild card into the tournament, she said that the Russian is important to the WTA.
"In sport nowadays, it is also about the media and business. Maria is a big name, who makes people come to watch her," Mladenovic said. "On one hand, I totally understand the tournaments want her in the draw because she is very famous and they want more attention, which is part of the business.
“On the other hand, you can ask if it is fair to get a wild card,” she added. “It's a fact that she was caught by anti-doping, but she wasn't the first one."
However, last year, Mladenovic was critical of the suspended Sharapova, saying, “All the players are saying she’s a cheater. All the other players are saying she’s a cheater,” she told the Guardian. “You sure doubt and think that she didn’t deserve all she won until now. That’s dreadful, but it’s good that it’s finally out.”
But “she has been quite impressive; she has not played for a long time and has come back, beating players with different styles," Mladenovic said. "I think she is still mastering her 'A game.'"
Sharapova, who beat Mladenovic once before, said this won’t create any extra motivation in her match against the Frenchwoman.
“Not at all,” Sharapova said. “I am not someone that uses it as part of my comeback. I have let my tennis do the talking.”
