On Monday, we learned Maria Sharapova failed a drug test at the Australian Open. After Sharapova’s announcement, a member of the tennis Hall of Fame ripped her for it.
Jennifer Capriati won three Gran Slam singles titles and ascended to the world’s No. 1 ranking so she certainly knows what it takes to make it to the top of the sport. Sharapova’s declaration clearly did not sit well with Capriati as she ripped the 28-year-old in a series of tweets.
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
I just think it takes away from the sport and the hard work if true. Yes its hard to be kicked when down, when injured and out
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) March 7, 2016
The advantages are so subtle they can be just a hair width difference. that gives you only what you need to know to reach that extra level
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) March 7, 2016
If this medication helped me to comeback again would everyone be alright with me taking it?
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) March 7, 2016
How much did it take away from the other persons food plate
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) March 7, 2016
In my opinion of its all true every title should be stripped. This is other people's lives as well
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) March 7, 2016
Not that it matters to Capriati, but Meldonium was just added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list this year. Endurance performance in athletes is listed among the benefits as well as improved rehabilitation after exercise. Sharapova said she had been taking Meldonium since 2006.
Jennifer Capriati definitely isn’t the only one with a changed view of the Maria Sharapova after her admission. While we will likely hear others who share the sentiment, they may not lay into Sharapova quite like Capriati did.
