Genie takes Maria stance

EUGENIE Bouchard says other players on the WTA Tour share her outspoken views on Maria Sharapova’s return from an 15-month doping ban, but are too “scared” to speak out.

Bouchard beat Sharapova 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 at the Madrid Open, a week after labelling the Russian “a cheater” after testing positive for Meldonium at the 2015 Australian Open.

“I was quite inspired before the match because a lot of players (were) privately wishing me good luck,” she said.