CALL OF THE WILD

Rivals protest but Shazza invite will inject star quality (PS: Tim Henman could make final decision)

WIMBLEDON yesterday admitted Maria Sharapova’s celebrity status will help her gain a wildcard this summer if she fails to qualify. Andy Murray has claimed there is a “good chance” the All England Club will invite the Russian superstar into qualifying following her 15-month doping ban. Defending champion Serena Williams (below) is not involved this year and the women’s event will be missing star quality. But, rather than take a stand against dopers, chairman Philip Brook yesterday left the door open for the 2004 champion (below right) – currently ranked 262 – to get a wildcard into the main draw. Tim Henman will chair the committee to make the decision on June 20. “We take a look at who’s done well in the lead-up tournaments and we will also consider what might add interest to the tournament, so if someone had a very strong playing record here at Wimbledon, that would be a factor in our consideration as well,” said Brook, who added that the All England Club had no policy on giving wildcards to dopers. Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska have spoken out against Sharapova receiving special treatment on her return from a drugs ban – while Eugenie Bouchard last week branded the Russian “a cheater”. Sharapova will need a wildcard to play in the French Open but can still qualify for Wimbledon by right with strong displays in her next two tournaments – in Madrid and Rome. The Russian needs to get into the top 100 by May 22 to get into the main draw at SW19 or into the top 200 by May 29 to gain entry into qualifying. Wimbledon yesterday announced admission will be charged to watch qualifying for the first time – and one court will be set up to show matches live. Chief executive Richard Lewis said: “The key factor is results over the next two weeks and whether there is an application or need for a wildcard.” The best scenario for Wimbledon is for Sharapova to play at SW19 without the need for a controversial wildcard. Tennis legend Ilie Nastase, suspended by the ITF, is to be banned from the Wimbledon Royal Box following his outrageous behaviour at last month’s Fed Cup tie between Romania and Great Britain – and probably also excluded from the grounds. “If he is suspended and we noticed him, he would be stopped,” said Lewis.

IN WITH A SHOUT Sharapova has caused much controversy but is set to be in action at Wimbledon