Maria Sharapova, WTA Tour Reach Photo Shoot Compromise
Posted by Aaress Lawless on May 12, 2008 | Print | Email | Bookmark
The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and its most marketable tennis player have ended their recent not-so-friendly spat.
Speaking from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Maria Sharapova said that although she still had to participate in the Tour’s photo shoot, it only required the bare minimal amount of her time.
After reading threats of an organized boycott or legal action, the WTA Tour decided that although Sharapova would still be required to participate in a marketing promotion for the Doha Championships, the time commitment would be lowered.
“The timing of the shoot got reduced to about 90 minutes,” said Sharapova on Friday.
Originally, it was expected to last between four to five hours.
The news could hardly have been more welcome to Sharapova, who blatantly expressed her displeasure with Tour officials on her personal blog last week. She sought advice from her fans in an online poll about whether a concession, boycott, or even legal action was in order.
Fortunately, for all parties involved, the Tour and Sharapova managed to save face by reaching a still-effective compromise.
As for Sharapova, her role in the campaign will be something familiar, especially considering that she is the global ambassador for the Tour’s official cellular phone company and title sponsor.
“I was riding around in a car for an hour talking pretending like I’m talking on the phone,” continued Sharapova. “That was pretty much it.”
Going public with the situation on her personal website was a bold move for Sharapova, but one that she now considers successful.
“I’ve obviously made my point,” said the three-time Grand Slam champion. “I just think I wanted to let my fans know, especially on my website, that, you know, I didn’t feel like people were listening to me. I think it’s in the best interest of the tour and the tour as a whole, not just the people that work for the tour.”
“I think it’s in our best interest to listen to all the players. Not just me. Obviously somebody that’s ranked 50 or 100 has different issues than somebody in the top 10. But I think all voices should be listened to.”
Still, with the photo shoot taken care of and the situation in the past, Sharapova is ready to get back to what she does best—play tennis.
“When I set foot in Rome, my priority is to play tennis,” added Sharapova. “I already did the talking and now it’s time to play tennis.”
Will.I.AM | May 12, 2008 | Reply
Did the WTA shorten the time commitment for all the players, or just Sharapova? If she was the only player to benefit, then it wouldn’t be fair.
What happened to the days in women tennis when the players stood united? Sharapova shouldn’t be demanding rights just for herself, but all of the women on the tour. How selfish!
Also, VENUS WILLIAMS IS BEING PROFILED ON REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBLE TONIGHT 8 O’CLOCK! TUNE IN!! I’VE BEEN WATING FOR THIS SINCE THE FIRST TIME SHE WAS PROFILED, 10 YEARS AGO! CHECK IN!