Wozniacki critical of ‘questionable’ decision to give Sharapova prime-time billing

Caroline Wozniacki has criticised the US Open for giving Maria Sharapova prime-time billing following her return from a doping suspension.

The US Open broke ranks with the other grand slams by awarding Sharapova a wild card and the five-time grand slam champion has played both her matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the biggest arena in tennis.

After beating Simona Halep in the night session on Monday, Sharapova defeated Timea Babos on Wednesday to reach the third round. Wozniacki found herself scheduled fifth on Court 5, one of the smaller courts at Flushing Meadows, with her match against Ekaterina Makarova eventually moved to Court 17.

The pair were the final players out on court and Makarova finally completed her 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 win after midnight.

Wozniacki told Ekstrabladet TV: “I think putting out a schedule where the number five in the world is on Court 5, fifth match on, I feel at 11pm, I think that’s unacceptable.

“When you look on centre court, I understand completely the business side of things and everything, but someone who comes back from a drugs sentence and performanceenhancing drugs, and all of a sudden gets to play every single match on centre court, I believe is a questionable thing to do. I think it doesn’t set a good example.

“I think someone who has fought their way back from injury and is five in the world deserves to play on a bigger court than Court 5.

“Finally they moved us to Court 17, which is a really nice court, actually, and we had a great atmosphere out there. But I think they should sometimes look into what they need to do in the future.” While some players continue to question Sharapova, the Russian has received strong crowd support in both her matches, with the stands packed.

“I think with the way that I played Monday night, I don’t think there are any more questions,” Sharapova said. “I’ve had an amazing reaction from fans since I’ve been back, and that’s been very special.”

The way Sharapova played against second seed Halep led some pundits to rate her as a potential title challenger.

She was less impressive against Babos but is in a very open section of the draw.

0 Maria Sharapova has been a star attraction on Arthur Ashe.