Men's tennis world number one Andy Murray says Maria Sharapova is being offered wildcards to events to sell more tickets.
Maria Sharapova was suspended by the ITF following her positive drug test. Photo: Photosport
The Times reported this week that Sharapova would be awarded a wildcard by the Lawn Tennis Association to play at next month's Aegon Classic in Birmingham.
Sharapova's current ranking of 258, after a return from a 15-month doping suspension, was too low to merit a direct entry for the event and the organisers were looking to give her one of the four available wildcards, the report said.
The former world number one has played two tournaments through wildcards since her return - losing in the semi-finals at last month's Stuttgart Open and falling to Eugenie Bouchard in the second round of the Madrid Open last week.
But Andy Murray said tournaments are only granting Sharapova a wildcard entry because more tickets will be sold.
"I'm sure the LTA saw the coverage that was given, ... the amount of media covering it, and think that's what's best for the tournament in Birmingham. But I'm sure it's split a lot of opinion.
"I'm sure the discussions about whether to give it or not were long ... but they've obviously done what they think is right for that event and maybe haven't thought as much about the wider implications," Murray said.
The 30-year-old Russian last played in the Wimbledon warm-up event in 2010.
Sharapova's hopes of featuring in this year's Wimbledon could hinge on a June 20 meeting of tournament organisers unless the Russian finds form in upcoming events.
-AAP
