Reigning US Open champion Kim Clijsters spoke out in defense of her countrywoman Yanina Wickmayer on Saturday.
The Belgium No. 2 called Wickmayer’s one year suspension from tennis “extremely harsh” after Wickmayer was found guilty of violating regulations.
Although Wickmayer has never tested positive for a doping offense, the International Tennis Federation, along with a Belgian anti-doping tribunal, has placed her on a twelve-month suspension for failing to meet the whereabouts filing requirements on three occasions in 2009.
The decision to suspend Wickmayer has sparked controversy across the world and on Saturday, Clijsters publicly supported Wickmayer on her Twitter feed.
“Its very unfortunate what’s happened to Yanina and Xavier this week,” Clijsters wrote about Wickmayer and ATP Tour player Xavier Malisse, who was also suspended for the same reason.
“While they may not have followed correct administration, they did not register a positive doping offense either. To receive a one year ban because of this seems extremely harsh and is potentially career-ending for both of them.”
Wickmayer is currently at the peak of her career on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour after reaching the semifinals of the US Open in September.
Well, let’s see what Serena will get? Maybe it’s just me, but I think the authorities will be much much softer in this case.
Clijsters intervention seems a little ironic to me after the widely publicised innuendo from her dad and entourage about Henin a few years ago. I don’t recall Clijsters rush to intervene then.
I find the whole Belgian situation an interesting one.
What was the innuendo about Henin? I don’t remember that but I’m intrigued.
I think the proper thing to do would be to reconsider the ruling. I personally do not think the WTA is treating this situation with the best interest of tennis in mind. I am totally against using drugs to enhance performance, but this is a little rediculous.
Here is what the public need to understand about sport; Sport is entertainment and makes big money for many people in the TV, Management and advertising fields. Always assume an athlete is using a performance enhancing drug unless proven otherwise. This will prevent the viewing public from being naive about sport.
McEnroe admitted to Cocaine use as did Yannick, Becker and many others. Andre has outed himself as a crystal meth user and the list goes on.
Next issue – “suspend the athletes who have lower rankings and less power” is the rule of thumb in tennis as you can see. And leave the woman who we all know uses steroids and had roid rage at the US Open, alone as she has rankings, audience draw and power.
Thats life in sport and entertainment. If you disagree with the lack of morality in sport then stop supporting it. Dont buy tickets or watch TV then see if change occurs. Jane