The head of women’s tennis on Wednesday attacked the French tennis federation’s refusal to grant Maria Sharapova a wildcard for the French Open as “groundless”. Whilst acknowledging that wildcards were granted at a tournament’s discretion, Simon said: “What I do not agree with is the basis put forward by the FFT for their decision with respect to Maria Sharapova. READ | Maria Sharapova on course for Wimbledon after opening win in Rome“As you talk with players, it’s very controversial. So no matter what happens, there will be a lot of questions around that wildcard,” Forget told the BBC. Sharapova’s absence leaves the women’s French Open field wide open with Serena Williams, a three-time champion in Paris, sitting out the rest of the season as she prepares to give birth to her first child.

Source: Hindustan Times May 17, 2017 09:11 UTC