Sharapova: Women’s tennis is clean
SINGAPORE (AP) — Maria Sharapova has praised the WTA Tour for taking the necessary precautions to remain clean while men’s tennis is hurt by allegations of match-fixing and illegal betting.
Sharapova said on Saturday, on the eve of an exhibition match against fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze, that she was impressed by the actions of WTA Tour chief executive and chairman Larry Scott.
He is doing all the things possible, from having meetings throughout the year to encouraging players to be safe and smart about their choices, the 20-year-old world No. 5 said.
Unfortunately we have to be realistic about the fact that some of these things do go on — but at the end of the day, I believe that women’s tennis is doing a great job of being clean.
Concerns about match-fixing in men’s tennis have risen since August, when an online betting company reported unusual betting patterns during a match between fourth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko of Russia and Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina.
Since then, several players have said they were approached with offers to fix matches for money.
The ATP, which recently introduced new anti-corruption rules, suspended Italians Potito Starace and Daniele Bracciali for making bets on tennis matches involving other players.
Sharapova also praised the new surface to be used at the Australian Open next month. Firmer Plexicushion has replaced the Rebound Ace court surface at Melbourne Park.
Especially in extreme heat, the court gets very sticky and a lot of injuries can occur, Sharapova said. So I’m very excited about it, and it will be good to have a good week of practice before to get used to it.
Organizers expect the new surface will produce a lower ball bounce and retain less heat.
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