Patrick Mouratoglou, Under the Scanner for Simona Halep’s Ban, Once Brutally Mocked Maria Sharapova Over Receiving Special Privilege – ‘It’s Nothing Against’

Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ former coach, teamed up with the Romanian star Simona Halep earlier this year. The tennis coach is garnering a lot of attention as a result of his new partnership. The two-time Grand Slam champion received a suspension from ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) earlier this week after allegations of using the banned substance, Roxadustat. As the news spread like wildfire on the internet, Mouratoglou’s comment from 2017, when Maria Sharapova failed a drug test, was trending online in the wake of Halep’s doping allegations.

After Sharapova, Halep is the second well-known tennis player to be suspended on charges of doping in recent years. In 2016, Sharapova, the five-time Grand Slam winner, received a 15-month suspension after failing a drug test. Although the Russian star attempted to make a comeback, some well-known players and coaches were against it.

Serena Williams’ former coach’s harsh statements

After facing suspension, the five-time Grand Slam champion played the 2017 US Open and performed quite well. However, the tennis coach questioned Sharapova‘s fitness and raised questions about the wild card entry given to the tennis star after her suspension. 

The Frenchman said, “They should vote in a rule someone who comes back from a ban from doping shouldn’t get a wildcard coming back. I don’t think it sends a good message. It’s like I take something away from you because you did something wrong but then I give you a hand.”

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Further, he added that “Don’t help a player that has lost their ranking because of testing positive. Don’t help them come back to the top faster.” He also added that it might be exciting for any tournament director to have Sharapova in a draw to increase the TV ratings. Moreover, he further stated that any suspended player should work their way back and not receive any special treatments because of their status. He said, “It’s nothing against her. I would say if it’s anyone.”

The amazing comeback of Maria Sharapova

After fighting out on her own, the five-time Grand Slam champion returned to the sport after her 2016 suspension, the initial two-year sentence reduced to 15 months after her appeal. After serving her sentence, the Russian star came back with determination and grit, to the pleasant surprise of the tennis world.

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She once again stood apart from the other tennis players thanks to her flawless opening round victory against Halep in the 2017 US Open. Even though she was unable to advance past the round of 16, she undoubtedly demonstrated her passion for the game.