Maria Sharapova and Sloane Stephens slam treatment of WTA stars at ‘second-hand’ Brisbane event

Maria Sharapova and Sloane Stephens have lashed out at organisers of the Brisbane International over their treatment of WTA Tour players.
The WTA Brisbane International is running at the same time as the inaugural ATP Cup with both events taking place at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
However, the men’s matches have been given priority on the main courts and even world No 1 Ashleigh Barty is expected to play on an outside court.
Stephens, who lost 7-5, 6-3 against Liudmila Samsonova in her opening clash, was unimpressed.
“I think that having an ATP Cup at the same place that you have a premier tournament for the women is a bit challenging,” the former US Open winner said after her defeat.
“I think the practice has been a bit challenging. I think there’s been a lot of challenges just because it’s a new event, combined with the girls, whatever, there’s definitely been some challenges.
“I think that when you’re a No 1 player in the world who is going to play on the side court, I don’t think that that’s great. I think that we just were not, it’s, I think it’s kind of a respect thing.
“We just weren’t in the conversation to even be considered. It was what the ATP wanted, they got what they wanted, girls to the side, that’s kind of how it always is. So I think, yeah, I think it’s unfortunate, but we play and we do what we do and hopefully next year there will be some adjustments.”
Maria Sharapova also lost her opening match as she suffered a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3) defeat at the hands of Jennifer Brady, but she was equally vocal about the treatment of WTA players.
“You definitely recognise it and notice it [starting on outside courts], it feels like a little bit of a second-hand event,” the Russian said. “I think on Thursday the girls go back on centre court. But it’s definitely a bit of a strange strategic move.
“I think there’s a lot of girls that are deserving of that centre court spot in this draw, I think there are six out of [the world’s] top 10 players [in Brisbane].”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
US Open
John McEnroe backs Novak Djokovic in US Open row
‘It is BS’ John McEnroe fumes at Novak Djokovic’s US Open situation.
-
ATP Tour
WTA Rankings: Simona Halep soars up to World No 6, Coco Gauff tops doubles ladder
Simona Halep is well placed to make a run on the top five, while Coco Gauff tops the doubles rankings.
-
Tennis News
Serena Williams gains lavish praise from Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has nothing but well-wishes for Serena Williams.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: What needs to happen for Rafael Nadal to snatch No 1 in Cincy
Here’s how Rafael Nadal can return to World No 1 in Cincinnati
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray vs Stan Wawrinka in Cincinnati: What time is the big match and where to watch it…
Three-time Grand Slam winners Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka meeting early in Cincy.
-
ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal on having an opportunity to become world No 1 again: ‘I didn’t expect it’
Rafael Nadal could return to world No 1 next week.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu teams up with Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in Cincinnati doubles
Nicknames for team Raducanu-Rybakina? Radukina? Rybacanu? Emlena? Elemma?
-
Davis Cup
Andy Murray makes Davis Cup return and hopes to ‘create even more history’ with Great Britain in Glasgow
Great Britain will face United States, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands in the group stage in Glasgow.
-
WTA Tour
Coco Gauff after becoming world No 1 in doubles: ‘Being No 1 is pretty cool. Who wouldn’t want to be No 1?’
Another big milestone for youngster Coco Gauff.
-
WTA Tour
Simona Halep on returning to the WTA top 10: ‘I feel like it’s a big deal, but I am dreaming for more’
Simona Halep on the rise once again.