Tennis superstar and one of the most loved personalities in the sporting world, Maria Sharapova shocked everyone with an announcement about failing a drug test in the Australian open, during a press in Los Angeles on Monday.
The news took the social media by storm as sports personalities and analysts took to Twitter to express their views ranging from anger and disappointment over the revelations. Some also expressed their respect for the world number six for admitting to her mistake.
Here’s what prominent faces from the world of sports said about Sharapova’s revelations.
American tennis player James Blake thought it was classy,
Wow. Classy of @MariaSharapova to hold a press conference for this and admit making a mistake. Definitely agree that have to be aware though
— James Blake (@JRBlake) March 7, 2016
Former tennis star Martina Navratilova warned against jumping to conclusions,
Hold your horses everyone- about Maria- I don’t have all the facts, I hope it’s an honest mistake,stuff was legal as far as I know till 2015
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) March 7, 2016
Another player from the Hall of Fame, Jennifer Capriati didn’t mince words,
Im extremely angry and disappointed. I had to lose my career and never opted to cheat no matter what.i had to throw in the towel and suffer
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) March 7, 2016
i didn’t have the high priced team of drs that found a way for me to cheat and get around the system and wait for science to catch up
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) March 7, 2016
Coach Judy Murray shared views on the press conference,
“If I was going 2 announce my retirement, it wouldn’t b in a downtown Los Angeles hotel with a fairly ugly carpet.” Sharapova. Standards
— judy murray (@judmoo) March 7, 2016
Still stunned that nobody on Shazza team checked new list from wada, players are responsible but this is big time oversight on team as well
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 7, 2016
@MariaSharapova handled today like a true champion. Very classy of her after an honest mistake
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) March 8, 2016
Maria handled that so well. In my opinion, honest mistake from a great champion.
— Ryan Harrison (@ryanharrison92) March 7, 2016
Maria handled the press conference with class, however all pro athletes should be well aware of what they are taking.
— Michael Russell (@MRusselltennis) March 7, 2016
In the past, several sports personalities have courted controversy by failing drug tests or admitting to doping, often resulting in a tragic end to an illustrious career.