OFF: Maria Sharapova Speaks Out Against WTA Tour
Posted by Aaress Lawless on May 2, 2008 | Print |
She has been called the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour’s golden girl, but now she is tired of the Tour making millions of dollars at her personal expense.
Maria Sharapova has finally had enough and has spoken out about the Tour’s tournament entry and marketing policies.
The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour’s player entry clauses have long caused dissension as players have been forced to enter (and withdraw) from tournaments, even though they never had any intention of competing.
The tournaments sell extra tickets from the inclusion of marquee players on their rosters, the Tour makes more money by “committing” headlining stars, only to leave the players with egg on their faces once they officially withdraw days before the event.
Unfortunately, it is a never-ending cycle which has helped ruin the Tour’s reputation for integrity and openness.
Now, one (if not its biggest) star has had enough and blown the whistle. Although the rule problems are not anything new, it is extremely rare for a player of Sharapova’s standing and reputation to call Larry Scott and Co. on the carpet.
Sharapova “withdrew” from the upcoming Qatar Telecom German Open on Wednesday because of an undisclosed injury. Truth be told, Sharapova is fine and well, but needed an excuse to avoid a hefty fine.
“As many of you know, the WTA tour makes many players enter tournaments that they know the players will not be playing,” said an irritated Sharapova in a statement released on her official website.
“I informed the WTA several months ago that if I played Charleston, I would have to pull out of Berlin. Now they are forcing me to give an injury for the reason why I am pulling out or they will give me an additional fine on top of the 125,000 fine already given to me. I am a very giving person, but I refuse to give anymore of my money to the WTA tour.”
Strong words from a player known as the giver of perfect sound bytes for Tour officials.
But that’s not all. While the ammunition was hot, why not use it?
Maria has also requested advice from her fans to help her figure out how to get out of another Tour mess, this one dealing with promotional requirements.
The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rules stipulate that top players must be available for marketing and promotional appearances for the betterment of the Tour as a whole. Photo shoots, cooking classes, cell phone demonstrations, and whatever the marketing department at Sony Ericsson dreams up generally falls into this category.
According to Sharapova, the Tour wants its top players to participate in a photo shoot at the upcoming Internazionali BNL d’ Italia in Rome. A four-hour photo shoot.
Sharapova, who runs a very tight ship when it comes to extracurricular activities, wants nothing to do with it, for fear it will hurt her preparations for the final major warm-up to the French Open.
“I want all my fans to know that the WTA Tour is forcing me and several of the other top players to do a 4 hour commercial shoot for WTA Tour marketing materials,” wrote Sharapova in a separate article published at 1:00 am on Friday.
“They want me to do this shoot on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday of the Rome tournament after flying 12 hours from LA. I have set my own personal rules when is comes to doing shoots and I never do shoots before tournaments because they are mentally draining and I want to just focus on my tennis. Now the WTA is telling me if I don’t do this shoot they will fine me over $300,000. As you can see the WTA Tour loves to fine players. To be honest, I would love to do this and help promote the tour as much as possible, but to force me to do this shoot the day before a tier 1 tournament is just not right. I am interested in what my fans think I should do?”
Her website has a poll which options include to do the shoot, skip the shoot and pay the fine, and even one for threatening legal action to the Tour. Surprisingly, Sharapova’s plight has not garnered much of a reaction from her fans.
At the time of this writing only nineteen people had voted, with an organized boycott of the shoot leading the poll.
Instead of holding a traditional Open Forum Friday today, let’s discuss Sharapova and her sticky situation.
Was she right in speaking out? Should the Tour change its policy about marketing its stars? To her credit, Sharapova did say that “the new road map for next year should solve all these problems” regarding the withdrawal situation, but that hardly helps the present.
Would the Tour be better off in the long run if its players did express more public opinions?
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Bill | May 2, 2008 | Reply
Give me a break!
It’s Sharapova and IMG for **********. It’s all about money and power. It has nothing to do with helping the tour or players. She probably wants to pick her time for the photoshoot or her IMG agent doesn’t want something that might look like free images of Sharapova when she sells her time to her personal sponsors for millions.
It’s her problem- SONY Ericsson is her phone sponsor, but since this is something done in Italy, it’s probably a WHIRLPOOL Europe or Dubai Duty Free thing, and she doesn’t want to give the photos away free to those companies as usage by the WTA.
There’s nothing noble about this Sharapova scam!
MARK | May 2, 2008 | Reply
Honestly, I think Maria is whining. I am sure it is tough to do a photo shoot for four hours prior to a tournament. But, come on, the twelve hour flight in business class, the limos, the massages, it really is a tough life isn’t it.
If I felt like Maria wasn’t already a big cheater, I might have some symphathy, but I always see her being coached by her father in the stands. We all see, the commentators comment on it, she is a cheater. So, no symphathy here, the tour would better off without the screamer anyway!!
Get over it!!
Nick | May 2, 2008 | Reply
IMG or not, Sharapova should make her own schedule and the WTA should know top players aren’t going to play back to back this day. Maybe next year, but i think players will just fake injury or just accept the fine to skip tournament like Indian Wells and Miami, German and Italian Open.
Schedule is a mess, but Sharapova should control her own…and maybe she shouldn’t be signing up with all these products…she doesnt need all this money.
Martin | May 2, 2008 | Reply
She’s complaining about having to do the shoot after flying in from the USA. Boo Hoo!
On her website there’s even a poll asking “fans” for answers to her problem.
One of the choices to Maria’s Poll is this one:
Should I contact the other top players and try to boycott the shoot?
Right! I’m sure Serena, Justine, Ana, and Jelena Jankovic are going to feel so sorry for Maria! They want to help her after being given the 2nd class billing star treatment at major WTA events because of Sharapova. Yeah, Right!
Those five are playing in Berlin and not suffering any jetlag in Italy. I doubt they care one second about Sharapova’s problem. It might even help them get a few free games if she’s tired.
I didn’t realize how gullible Sharapova fans were? And she did miss MIAMI (the biggest WTA event), so really whatever fines she gets is probably based on her poor appearance track record for the year.
Moo | May 2, 2008 | Reply
WTA *****!
How stupid is that! Finning someone $300,000 for not doing a photoshoot. C’mon. That’s more than the fine she got from withdrawing from Berlin.
P.S. Dennis Rodman’s bail from beating up his girlfriend was just $50,000 and what he did is a crime!
pov | May 2, 2008 | Reply
Bill, Mark and Martin,
I’m always amazed when anyone, as you all did, reads an article and gives answers based on the least relevant part. Then again clearly your answers have little to do with the situation itself.
There are two major points here: The tour making players enter events even though they know those players will withdraw and the *timing” of the shoot. Having been on pro shoots, they can definitely be draining, to set one right before a tournament is not the best planning by the WTA. As for the players entry scam - I’m glad she came out with it. I was wondering why she kept withdrawing claiming injury. The WTA needs to do better than this.
BTW I just checked and now “2058 voters have answered this question”
Bill | May 2, 2008 | Reply
Pov,
You as a Sharapova fan fail to see the problem here. There are other stars involved in this photo shoot- obviously since it’s for the WTA championships in Doha it will involved Serena, Justine, Ana and Jelena too.
Sharapova wants do not do the shoot because of lack of prep time flying in from LA and not playing Berlin the week before and having no red clay court time.
She doesn’t give a rat’s *** about the tour or others. She wants to avoid doing the shoot, while the others will be made to do it. She wants to do it some other time, but the others will still be using that 1 day for the shoot.
It’s typical Sharapova “me, me” star stuff here.
But the bogus entry list at tournaments, and advertisement has got to stop. This is the main issue, but she’s trying to use a good argument and get away for a selfish one about the fines for whatever she’s obligated to do, and wont.
pov | May 2, 2008 | Reply
More info: The fine would be $700,000
http://uk.reuters.com/article/tennisNews/idUKL0240926720080503
ace | May 2, 2008 | Reply
I don’t care if your Daddy Warbucks or Maria Sharapova 300,000 fine is alot….& no, Maria wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She has had to work hard to get where she’s at and deserves every cent she’s made. Granted, most of her earnings have come from off court sponsers, but it’s not near as much as the men in sports get paid. She schedules all of her “off court” events, photoshoots, etc. during the off season or between events….not right before a Tier I tournement.This isn’t the only issue….she was also fined for not playing in Berlin, when in fact the WTA knew ahead of time she was never going to play there, due to her playing in Charleston. They now want her come up with an injury as to why she pulled out. The players get what, one whole month off in December & play eleven months out of the year. & how does the WTA come up with a 300,000 fine for not doing a photoshoot. WHAT THE ****, THERE ARE WORSE THINGS PLAYERS SHOULD GET FINED FOR!
Jonas | May 2, 2008 | Reply
I completely agree with what pov said. It was a very brave decision for her to make. This whole withdrawing thing just to sell more tickets? It’s evil.
I’m glad she let it all out but I hope she’s strong cause she’s gonna get a lot of **** for it.
I’m anxious to see if other players will comment on it. I hope they do.
Moo | May 2, 2008 | Reply
It’s because these people are haters!They can’t get past that it’s about Sharapova. If it were Henin or their “sweet Ana” that made these statements, I’m sure they all be trashing the WTA.
The fact is, this issue is about the WTA (or at least the people behind it) being unreasonable, hardheaded, and manipulating. It just so happen that it was Sharapova (and not the girls with all-smiles) who blew the whistle.
Aaress @ On the Baseline | May 2, 2008 | Reply
Hi everyone,
While each of you is welcome to voice your opinions concerning this situation, please keep On the Baseline’s comment policy in mind. Most importantly, no profanity is allowed.
For more info, check out http://www.onthebaseline.com/comment-policy/
Pov, nice to see that more people have voted.
Needless to say, I was fairly surprised to find only 19 votes earlier this morning.
Bill | May 2, 2008 | Reply
ace, if you read the reuters article it states where the $300,000 will be coming from. It’s not from Sharapova’s pocket, but minus the WTA annual contract salary which she is guaranteed to get at the end of the year for playing one Super Tier I, and four Tier I’s. It’s in the WTA manual about the obligations the top players will have to do to earn that extra salary only given to the
names on the Gold and Silver exempt player list.
Moo | May 3, 2008 | Reply
Hey Bill,
“She doesn’t give a rat’s *** about the tour or others. She wants to avoid doing the shoot, while the others will be made to do it. She wants to do it some other time, but the others will still be using that 1 day for the shoot.
It’s typical Sharapova “me, me” star stuff here.”
How did you come to that conclusion. Do you really know the person that well to speak for her!? I don’t think so. This is a typical “hater” stuff!
pov | May 3, 2008 | Reply
Bill,
I don’t know what makes me a “Sharapova fan” I do know that you continue to talk around rather than address the points.
It is not just about *a* player. Sharapova came out with this and I’d support whoever did it. Having players sign up for a tournament knowing they don’t intend to play is scammimg the public and tarnishing the images of the players.
And while I’m sure that Sharapova has her own interests in mind, the fact remains that a professional photo shoot can be draining. The fact also remains that one of the options in her poll is to attempt a boycott *with the other players.* That would be what I’d like to see happen.
pov | May 3, 2008 | Reply
Bill,
For someone suggesting to others that they read the reuters article, how did you manage to miss that the fine is actually $700,000 and also to overlook this comment from Sharapova:
“For them to threaten me with a $700,000 fine is just not right. The tour does not care what any of the players think, not just top players,” the world number three added.
pov | May 3, 2008 | Reply
I had a quick look at the rules. I may have missed something. All I found about photo shoots was the following:
vi. Photo Opportunities
All players shall be required, if requested, to participate in a minimum of two (2) photo opportunities per year. Each such photo opportunity shall be jointly agreed upon by the
WTA and the player.
paula | May 3, 2008 | Reply
the thing is- whining or not, she may be helping the cause for other, less prominent, WTA players. Not that that is her reason for complaining, but sometimes good things come out of selfish people’s whinings…
just a thought-
Alice | May 4, 2008 | Reply
In principle, ownership of ones own career should reside with oneself. Players shouldnt be treated as the property of the officiating body or sponsors. The axis of control in any contract should lie with the player. They shouldnt be compelled by anyone - not corporate sponsors, not dads, moms, or family, not the media, or the mafia!
The player is the primary entertainment provider. The player should be manager and agent of their own destiny.
So, whether Maria’s motives are altruistic or not, isnt the point. I am glad Maria, Rafa, and others are speaking out.
I recall pics of Marion Bartoli paraded on a catwalk at last years Sunfeast Open in Kolkata. - The consensus among her fans was, on the one hand yes she looked cool and attractive, but on the other hand possibly uncomfortable and ill at ease with the what she was doing.
If she happily consented to that, then fine. But if she had mixed feelings or felt awkward, then it that’s not right - It’s wrong for the suits to effectively whore female players as objects of visual entertainment.
I dont want to see a detached Marion. I want to see a happy engaged Marion. Pleased with what she’s doing.
All players should be happy with what their doing, not feel ensnared by a sinister trawling net.
Heather | May 4, 2008 | Reply
If Maria wants to participate on the WTA circuit and take the glory and more importantly, the money on offer, then she plays by the rules. If they don’t suit her, perhaps she should look to another profession. There are plenty of up and coming women who would be more than happy to be in her position without grizzling.
Heather | May 4, 2008 | Reply
Sorry, no moderation. That is how I feel about the situation and if my comment is not acceptable, then so be it. I’m 70 years of age and have been an ardent tennis fan for the past 60 years and am not enamoured by the antics of so called prima donnas, be it male or female.
Heather | May 4, 2008 | Reply
Sorry, no moderation. If my comment is not acceptable, then so be it.
Aaress @ On the Baseline | May 4, 2008 | Reply
Heather,
Your comments are fine. We use an automated moderation system which held up your comments briefly. Sorry for the delay.
anythingbutlove | May 4, 2008 | Reply
First let me say that NO MATTER WHAT reasoning Sharapova offered the public there’s lots of fans and critics, and media people in general who are going to call her names and slap labels on her like “over-paid crybaby” etc.
Maria Sharapova, I heard reported, completes nearly all of her endorsement obligations and commercial endeavors in a very brief period so that after which she can shift gears and get back into the proper mindset and compete aggressively.
all the millions she has doesn’t make photo shoots and such any less of a distraction. I know the familiar headline that the press will roll “star athlete needs to shut up and perform” however In Maria’s comments I hear the voice of a newly turned 21 year old competitor who is asserting her independence and is trying to commit herself to the remainder of the season, maintaining her focus and winning.
??? _.-=*|(?)|*=-._ ???
So now what’s the spin that the tennis commentators will put on this story? After criticizing some girls *cough* Williams *cough* for being distracted by off court pursuits to the point where their game and conditioning
deteriorates, we should complain that Maria wants less tour promos, commercial photo ops, and stupid celebrity tricks? Think about it are we supposed to now be mad at Sharapova for coming out and telling the truth that she is not injured, when LOTS OF PLAYERS would just lie and continue to have their image used to promote events that families then buy tickets to, only to wind up feeling jilted by their absence…
Believe me there is probably lots of girls who don’t like leaving their fans in that position.
Will.I.AM | May 5, 2008 | Reply
Well said Heather. If Maria can’t follow the rules, she should leave the sport. This is the way things are done. The corporate office makes the decision. It’s the same with the NBA when they enforced a dress code on their players. Every game day, the players have to show up in a suit. People complained, but eventually got over it. Maria needs to get over it and keep moving forward!
pov | May 5, 2008 | Reply
Heather, Will, etc,
I do agree that in a sport, the governing body has to apply the rules to all players.
That said - a player speaking out in favor of a change is not at all unusual. If a change is made then the new rule would apply equally to all players.
Saying anyone should leave a sport because they think the promo shoots are poorly scheduled seems over the top.
Also, can any one state what exactly the rule regarding photo shoots is? The one I found and posted above states: “Each such photo opportunity shall be jointly agreed upon by the
WTA and the player.”
Aaress @ On the Baseline | May 5, 2008 | Reply
Pov,
I’m not sure if I’ll be able to shine much light on the rules situation, but I’ll give it my best shot.
The Sharapova situation is tricky as it involves several rule contingencies. For all her off-court activities, Sharapova is not known as one of the Tour’s most giving when it comes to her time during tournaments.
The most recent ACES standings that I can find were from April 21, which show Sharapova down at No. 10.
Another reason why Sharapova could incur an additional fine is because she does not wear a Tour patch. Players can support the Tour (and avoid fines) in a lot of ways including participating in tournament off-court events, doing photo shoots, or wearing the Tour’s logo. As we all know, Sharapova has chosen to skip doing all three of these examples.
Like you, I’ve looked at the rules and can’t seem to figure out where the $700,000 dollars is coming from. The Tour doesn’t specifically mention photo shoots often, although I think I might have found the “fine print” on page 107.
The gist of it is that players are required to participate in one major Tour marketing event every year, which will not exceed five hours. Now, if this is what the Rome photoshoot is about, and from what I’ve read, it could very well be, this is why Sharapova’s getting hit with a big fine. The Tour supposedly wants the Rome time to prepare a major marketing campaign for the Doha Championships.
Although it does not state what the fine is for skipping this event, given its importance, I imagine it is fairly large.
Like I said earlier, she may not be getting one fine; instead she could be facing several compounded for a grand total of $700,000.
Even if you are making as much as Sharapova is, losing $700,000 has still got to hurt. She may be the world’s richest female athlete now, but I’m sure she remembers the days when Yuri brought her here with only a few hundred dollars in his pocket.
pov | May 5, 2008 | Reply
Aaress,
Thanks. I think you have it. What I posted about is on page 99 - vi. Photo Opportunities. However, what you posted from page 107 does seem to be what this is all about.
The $400,000 extra seems to be based on an accrual of patch violations (pg.111) Not sure what the initial $300,000 is based on.
But yeah, thanks again. So the WTA does have such a rule - although their scheduling seems really ridiculous. On the other hand this rule states “or at such other mutually-agreeable date and location” Does that make it ambiguous?
Aaress @ On the Baseline | May 5, 2008 | Reply
Well Pov, obviously I’m not a lawyer, but I don’t think Sharapova would have any problem finding a lawyer who would contend that it is fairly ambiguous.
Though, I sincerely hope this does not head in the direction of the courts, cause that is the last thing the Tour needs right now. This is something that should be settled between Sharapova, IMG, and the WTA Tour.
Between Richard Williams threatening to sue the Tour over Indian Wells next season and Sharapova going public with this issue, it could lead to several rough months for Larry Scott.
Although, at least no one is calling for a job review like what the top ATP players are doing for Etienne de Villiers.
Alice | May 7, 2008 | Reply
Aaress, would it possible for you to remove my last comment?
On reflection It’s probably not helpful of me to make certain comments, without providing clarification.
Thanks
Alice
Aaress @ On the Baseline | May 7, 2008 | Reply
Alice, no problem. I have removed it.
Alice | May 7, 2008 | Reply
thank you
Mashapower | May 11, 2008 | Reply
Give Masha a breack Wta ***** if she says that she doesn’t have the ability to photoshoot just before a tournament this means she can’t… According to what she says, she setted up rules saying that she doesn’t photoshoot before an event well why is this happening ! This just a freacking plot to absolutely prevent Maria from winning her first tier I event on clay…