Players criticize Sharapova wild-card tournament entry

STUTTGART, Germany — A day before Maria Sharapova was to play her first tennis match since being banned for doping, the debate about the Russian’s wild-card entry for the Porsche Grand Prix continued Tuesday.

Simona Halep and Alize Cornet joined the growing legion of players criticizing tournament organizers for offering Sharapova a direct spot in their main draws.

“For the kids, for the young players, it is not OK to help with a wild card the player that was banned for doping,” said the fifth-ranked Halep, adding that “it is not about Maria Sharapova here, but it is about all the players that are found doped.”

“I cannot support what the tournament director did, but also I cannot judge,” said Halep, who is seeded fourth and plays Barbora Strycova in the second round.

Cornet went a step further in comments published by French sports daily L’Equipe.

“Generally speaking, I find it shameful that the WTA is promoting a player who tested positive after all. It’s normal that people talk about her, she’s an immense champion, but from there to promoting her return to such an extent ... I find that unjust,” the 41st-ranked Frenchwoman said.

Sharapova’s suspension for the use of meldonium after the heart drug became a banned substance at the beginning of 2016, ends Wednesday. The fivetime Grand Slam champion and former No. 1 is scheduled to play Roberta Vinci in a firstround evening match at the tournament she won three times from 2012-14.