Sharapova hits out at inequality
POLITICS overshadowed heat concerns at the Australian Open when Maria Sharapova delivered a broadside after her first-round Melbourne Park victory.
Sharapova believes there is still a lack of respect for female players, despite Andy Murray’s celebrated championing of women’s causes.
“They have been really tough, especially when it came to equality, as a general point,” the Russian said.
“Sitting at a press conference in Wimbledon five, seven years ago, there was not a lot of warmth from that side or that perspective. That’s tough.
“There is definitely a few exceptions in the game and I’m sure that (Murray is) one.”
Sharapova may not win the Australian Open, but the reign of the Ice Queen will continue.
She made her 22-year-old opponent cry, such was the ease and power of her victory on Rod Laver Arena.
But what is the 31-year-old, who’s playing in her 15th Australia Open, to do about that? Show empathy? Sympathy?
“There is no time for that, I’m sorry to say,” Sharapova said following her victory.
“But when you’re playing the first round of a grand slam … I have been in many positions, last year (at) Wimbledon (I) came out against a qualifier that played really well. You know, there is no doubt that my level wasn’t where I wanted it to be, but she was there to take the match.
“So I’m not so much worried about my opponent, but I have to step up when the time is right and when I need to.”
Young Briton Harriet Dart, playing for the first time in the main draw of a grand slam, was so distraught after her 6-0 6-0 drubbing that she broke down in tears. She was visibly upset as she fronted the media.
“She doesn’t really give you anything,” Dart said. “… She is who she is and the way she played shows that.”
Sharapova, the 2008 Australian Open champion, said she had planned to be uncompromising.
“I was just focused on not having a let-down,” she said.
“It’s very easy to be in a position where things are flowing, you know, you’re doing all the right things, she’s making a few errors, you’re comfortable, easy to get complacent – and complacency is not great.”
Sharapova said she was continuing to battle a right shoulder problem and a leg injury, but she was thrilled to play – and win – her first match of the year.