Maria Sharapova, one of the most iconic players in tennis history, caused a stir by shedding tears while speaking out about the lack of fairness in the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) handling of sanctions. The former world No. 1 was visibly upset by recent decisions that, she said, demonstrate a clear difference in treatment between athletes, particularly in relation to her own suspension and that of other players.

Sharapova was suspended for two years after being found to have used Meldonium, a drug commonly used to treat heart problems but which was on the ITF’s banned list at the time. In comparison, Jannik Sinner was suspended for just three months for performance-enhancing drugs, sparking outrage from the former Russian.

“There is no fairness in tennis. The ITF has shown, once again, that a sexist and disproportionate mentality still exists. I was suspended for two years for using Meldonium, a heart medication, but Sinner was only suspended for three months for doping. This is not fair,” Sharapova declared through tears.

The situation has sparked a heated debate about the consistency of sanctions imposed on players, especially when comparing Sharapova’s actions with those of other athletes. While the former tennis player used a legally prescribed medication to treat her health, Sinner was sanctioned for using substances directly related to performance enhancement, further fueling controversy over the ITF’s treatment of men and women.

“I feel completely frustrated and disappointed. Tennis should be a sport where all players are treated equally. If my sanction was so harsh, why don’t men face the same consequences? There is clearly a bias and a lack of fairness that I can’t help but point out,” Sharapova added.

The former tennis player’s reaction has left no one indifferent. Her words have been echoed by many in the tennis community, who have criticized the disparity in sanctions and called for a more thorough review of ITF policies. However, there have also been those who have defended the organization’s decisions, arguing that the circumstances and context of each case are different.

Sharapova, who was one of the most successful figures of her generation, has been steadfast in her stance and in her criticism of what she considers an unfair system. “I can’t remain silent when I know the rules aren’t applied equally to everyone. It’s time for things to change,” she concluded with a determined look.

This controversy over tennis sanctions continues to be a topic of intense debate, and Sharapova’s statements have shed light on the potential injustices that persist in the sport.