Fed Cup, Olympics, and Maria Sharapova
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Sep 18, 2007 | Print |
Maria Sharapova’s on-the-sidelines participation in the 2007 Fed Cup final has sparked yet another controversy, this time including the people she wanted to support.
Sharapova’s appearance at the final eclipsed the media’s coverage of the event even after the Fed Cup trophy was safely residing in the hands of Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anna Chakvetadze, Nadia Petrova, and Elena Vesnina.
Only hours after Russia triumphed, the original squad members were still being badgered by questions regarding Sharapova’s Olympic prospects and their opinion of her support.
Sharapova’s appearance at the Fed Cup final can easily be compared to having a third person tag along on a honeymoon. Russia had reached the final without her and Sharapova’s teammates made it perfectly clear that they did not need her - in the final or even on the practice court.
Svetlana Kuznetsova essentially summed up the general opinion: “She said she wanted to be our practice partner but if you can’t play how then can you practice?”
Granted, Sharapova was legitimately injured with a shoulder problem that has been evident all season. Folks, she’s not lying - anyone with an ounce of tennis sense could see that her shoulder has been bothering her for months.
Still, Maria Sharapova has never given an appearance of genuinely wanting to play Fed Cup for her homeland, even when she has been healthy.
Russia has contested eleven Fed Cup ties since Sharapova skyrocketed to fame at the 2004 Wimbledon Championships. In three years, surely one of those fell during a period when she was at least partially fit?
The only reason why Sharapova was sitting on Russia’s bench this past weekend looking like a fifth wheel is the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Maria wants a gold medal, the ultimate proof of being the best tennis player in the world. A few years ago, she might have been a lock to make the Russian squad, but now, her participation is questionable. She’s not the only player from Russia in the top 10. In fact, she is no longer the No. 1 player in Russia.
Tennis federations abide by strict requirements and eligibility procedures when determining Olympic representatives, and with the continued success of Kuznetsova, Chakvetadze, Petrova, and Elena Dementieva - all loyal Russians - Sharapova is getting nervous.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and apparently Sharapova was willing to eat a plateful of humble pie over the weekend if it could help her Olympic chances.
Russia will only be allotted a maximum of four entrants in the singles competition, and if Dementieva is back in the top 10 when the squad is named, it could place the Russian Federation in a tight spot.
Should they choose the superstar who has never bothered to play for her country in a team competition, or rely on the hardworking players who have supported their nation for their entire careers?
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Chris | Sep 19, 2007 | Reply
As a huge Dementieva fan, with her presence outside the top 10 I’m extremely scared Tarpsichev is going to completely overlook what Elena’s done for Russia for the past seven years and put Sharapova on. I have very little against Sharapova, but Dementieva has been such a huge part to Russian tennis for so long.
She’s said herself she places more importance on the Olympics than grand slams (as is evident by her never winning one), and she’s in Beijing now to get used to the place for next year.
Kuznetsova, Chakvetadze, Petrova, and Dementieva should be the singles players next year. If Sharapova must be in the Olympics, replace her with Petrova so Petrova/Vesnina can do doubles.
All that said, Dementieva SHOULD be top 10 by next summer. She has very few points until the clay season where she doesn’t have that many points anyway. Kuznetsova is the only REAL lock for the Olympics though. I can imagine any of the other girls not being in.
Chris | Sep 19, 2007 | Reply
By the way, hilarious picture!
Aaress | Sep 19, 2007 | Reply
Chris,
Reaching the No. 2 ranking and the final of the USO was Kuznetsova’s golden ticket into the Olympics, as long as she stays healthy.
But you’re right, the first person on the chopping block will be Dementieva.
Good idea about the doubles - if the Russian Federation does something like that, they can potentially extend the squad to six total players. Only four of them will be eligible to compete in singles, but that would still give younger players, like Vesnina, an opportunity to experience the Olympics.
Peter Mahon | Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
Maria is still very young; can this excuse her past attitude to Fed Cup? does She make the decisions regarding Her availability to the Russian Team? I believe that a fit Maria Sharapova, is the best female singles player in the world, and should be accepted as a Russian Team member.
Peter Mahon