Sharapova gets the cold shoulder in Russia

M

MEAC_ALLAMERICAN

Legend
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia easily recaptured the Fed Cup title from last year's surprise winners Italy by thrashing them 4-0 in the Moscow final over the weekend.

Even without Maria Sharapova, who was nursing a shoulder injury, the Russians, led by world number two Svetlana Kuznetsova and fifth-ranked Anna Chakvetadze, were too strong for the Italians, who do not have anyone in the top 24.

Despite the injury, Sharapova, who has yet to play for Russia in the Fed Cup, arrived in Moscow last week amid the usual fanfare, saying she wanted to give her support.

The world number four, clad in the Russian team outfit, was seen exuberantly cheering her team mates during the two-day tie, then joined them for a victory lap around the court holding a big Russian flag.

But despite her efforts, the Siberian-born player was given the cold shoulder by the rest of the team.

Most of the local media also saw the hoopla surrounding Sharapova's visit as nothing more than a PR campaign, designed to boost her goodwill image in Russia.

The Florida-based 20-year-old has never made a secret of her desire to play in the Olympics and for that she must make herself available for Fed Cup duty.

Kuznetsova, who replaced Sharapova as Russia number one last week after reaching the U.S. Open final, questioned her motives for coming to Moscow.

PRACTICE PARTNER

"To be honest, I don't know why she came," the St Petersburg native, who has never been the best of friends with Sharapova, told Russian media on the eve of the tie.

"What's the point of coming here all the way from America if you can't play. She said she wanted to help our preparation and be our practice partner but, to me, if you can't play how then can you practice? It just doesn't make sense."

After clinching victory for Russia on Sunday, Kuznetsova again was asked about Sharapova's presence.

"Oh please, don't ask me that question again," she snapped back. "I had enough already."

Chakvetadze was even more frank.

"If you haven't played Fed Cup all year, it wouldn't be fair just to show up for the final," she said. "It's not fair to all the other girls who committed themselves to the team's cause."

Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev tried to play down the row within the team, however.

"I don't pay attention to all that talk. All top players have personal egos, in fact they wouldn't be top players if they didn't have one," he said.

"So for me, what you do on the court is what counts, not that other stuff," added Tarpishchev, who doubles as Russia's Davis Cup captain. "I've always been fair to my players and I always invite the ones who are in better form at the moment."

While Sharapova must still convince her team mates of her true desire to play for Russia, she did score important points with the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

"Her presence in Moscow certainly didn't hurt," an ITF official told Reuters on Sunday. "She was injured and couldn't play, but by being here she clearly demonstrated her commitment to the Fed Cup and that will certainly enhance her chances (of playing at next year's Olympics). It's a big plus for her."


______________________________________________

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-fedcuprussiasharapovadc&prov=reuters&type=lgns
___________________________________________________

I think the whole thing was to enhance her Olympics chances. :confused:
 
Last edited:
Sveta and Chakie hit the nail on the head...they don't want her, and they didn't need her. To reiterate Sveta's point...if you can't play, then you aren't a very good practice partner, are you?

Maria burned those bridges, and it is going to take more than a few days of cheering to build them back up...not that I think she even cares about that...she just wants to go to the Olympics.
 
Nice article. Glad to hear the girls speak up about how unfairly they were being used by Sharapova. For years, Sharapova paid no attention to the other Russian players, and for her to all of a sudden make nice and cheer them on seemed questionable. Sharapova has a lot of work to do in building trust with the rest of her fellow Russians. If she really is sincere about being a part of the Russian team, then she'll continue to not only make herself available for Fed Cup, but also make an effort to acknowledge the other Russians.
 
Yeah, showing up as a "practice partner" is a joke. And trying to look all giddy on the sidelines was an even bigger joke. I swear, that Vesnina girl practically turned her back on Sharapova while she was talking to her.
Can you imagine the chaos that would have ensued, though, if Maria ended up replacing one of those girls? You wanna talk about a catfight ...

http://www.tenniswithattitude.blogspot.com

MEAC_ALLAMERICAN said:
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia easily recaptured the Fed Cup title from last year's surprise winners Italy by thrashing them 4-0 in the Moscow final over the weekend.

Even without Maria Sharapova, who was nursing a shoulder injury, the Russians, led by world number two Svetlana Kuznetsova and fifth-ranked Anna Chakvetadze, were too strong for the Italians, who do not have anyone in the top 24.

Despite the injury, Sharapova, who has yet to play for Russia in the Fed Cup, arrived in Moscow last week amid the usual fanfare, saying she wanted to give her support.

The world number four, clad in the Russian team outfit, was seen exuberantly cheering her team mates during the two-day tie, then joined them for a victory lap around the court holding a big Russian flag.

But despite her efforts, the Siberian-born player was given the cold shoulder by the rest of the team.

Most of the local media also saw the hoopla surrounding Sharapova's visit as nothing more than a PR campaign, designed to boost her goodwill image in Russia.

The Florida-based 20-year-old has never made a secret of her desire to play in the Olympics and for that she must make herself available for Fed Cup duty.

Kuznetsova, who replaced Sharapova as Russia number one last week after reaching the U.S. Open final, questioned her motives for coming to Moscow.

PRACTICE PARTNER

"To be honest, I don't know why she came," the St Petersburg native, who has never been the best of friends with Sharapova, told Russian media on the eve of the tie.

"What's the point of coming here all the way from America if you can't play. She said she wanted to help our preparation and be our practice partner but, to me, if you can't play how then can you practice? It just doesn't make sense."

After clinching victory for Russia on Sunday, Kuznetsova again was asked about Sharapova's presence.

"Oh please, don't ask me that question again," she snapped back. "I had enough already."

Chakvetadze was even more frank.

"If you haven't played Fed Cup all year, it wouldn't be fair just to show up for the final," she said. "It's not fair to all the other girls who committed themselves to the team's cause."

Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev tried to play down the row within the team, however.

"I don't pay attention to all that talk. All top players have personal egos, in fact they wouldn't be top players if they didn't have one," he said.

"So for me, what you do on the court is what counts, not that other stuff," added Tarpishchev, who doubles as Russia's Davis Cup captain. "I've always been fair to my players and I always invite the ones who are in better form at the moment."

While Sharapova must still convince her team mates of her true desire to play for Russia, she did score important points with the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

"Her presence in Moscow certainly didn't hurt," an ITF official told Reuters on Sunday. "She was injured and couldn't play, but by being here she clearly demonstrated her commitment to the Fed Cup and that will certainly enhance her chances (of playing at next year's Olympics). It's a big plus for her."


______________________________________________

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-fedcuprussiasharapovadc&prov=reuters&type=lgns
___________________________________________________

I think the whole thing was to enhance her Olympics chances. :confused:
Click to expand...
 
I almost threw up when I saw all the pictures of Sharapova shouting and cheering for the Russian Fed Cup team dressed up in the team uniform. She doesn't fit in there for sure. She looks so unnatural and she made the entire Russian Fed Cup team uncomfortable by being there and acting like she was part of it.
 
Topaz said:
Sveta and Chakie hit the nail on the head...they don't want her, and they didn't need her. To reiterate Sveta's point...if you can't play, then you aren't a very good practice partner, are you?

Maria burned those bridges, and it is going to take more than a few days of cheering to build them back up...not that I think she even cares about that...she just wants to go to the Olympics.
Click to expand...



Topaz is right...what a giant ego she must have...bet you could feel the tension there...so sad that Shriekapova NEEDS attention all of the time...guess she's starved for attention since she made such a poor showing at the US Open....think that's why she was in Djokovic's box....must have face on camera...must have face on camera...:-(
 
Right, as I said in another thread... it's a shame that Sharapova has gotten more attention showing up and acting as a cheerleader than Svetlana and Anna actually winning the whole thing.
 
Seriously, she doesn't even pronounce her own name properly... It's one thing to be proud of where you came from, but it's another thing to just pretend you care (because you want to go to the Olympics...)
 
Just want to clarify something. To play in Olympics is it represent your country or represent your own names :confused:?????
 
Aonex said:
Right, as I said in another thread... it's a shame that Sharapova has gotten more attention showing up and acting as a cheerleader than Svetlana and Anna actually winning the whole thing.
Click to expand...

maria.jpg


Are they acting there??? Stop thinking negatively.
 
Wasn't saying she's faking it, she was playing the part of the cheerleader... meaning the didn't actually play. Although I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of that hugging and smiling wasn't a bit forced. Certainly easier to trust what someone says versus how they behave in public where it's a lot easier to put on appearances.

I don't understand why you feel compelled to believe that everything Maria does is good, or liked by others. It's ok to be a fan, and still be critical of some of the things a person does.
 
Last edited:
Not playing for her russian, you all doubting about her loyalist. Been parts of the team and as a cheerleader, you all described her a cheater.

Hahahaha.............those haters mindset really got a problems, i think you all physiological damaged, need to scan and check by the specialist.
 
Oh don't worry, It is only the russian players not the coaches. Coaches LOVE her and will put her on the Olympic team. Maria only was pretending to be nice to russian team to get on the Olympic team next year. All the Russian players always hated Maria because they were jelous of Maria's beauty and her multi million dollar contracts. and Maria speaks with broken Russian and that does not help either. But that is ok, Maria doesn't like that Frankenstein's bride anyway.
 
phoony said:
Not playing for her russian, you all doubting about her loyalist. Been parts of the team and as a cheerleader, you all described her a cheater.

Hahahaha.............those haters mindset really got a problems, i think you all physiological damaged, need to scan and check by the specialist.
Click to expand...

That’s a mean thing to say :p

Honestly, I have no idea where her loyalty stands, but judging by the state of her game and recent results the Olympics should be the last thing on her mind.
 
MEAC_ALLAMERICAN said:
That’s a mean thing to say :p

Honestly, I have no idea where her loyalty stands, but judging by the state of her game and recent results the Olympics should be the last thing on her mind.
Click to expand...

Talking about loyalty. To play in Olympics is to represent country right??? Which means play for Russia, am i right?? So why still want to argue about her loyalty because she can't cope with the rest of the teams, because she cant speak fluent russian or someone said she can't pronounced her name probably. Is that the reason behind all these stupid nonsense idiot :mad: facts.

Speak there all haters.........tell me.
 
Lot easier to dismiss people's comments by calling them haters, eh? Are you forgetting that it was in fact the very players she's supposed to be getting along with that are making these comments? And read what I wrote, I said that she has a long way to go... but she needs to continue to play fed cup for Russia if her fellow Russians are to believe that she's sincere about wanting to help out. Talk is cheap.
 
phoony said:
Talking about loyalty. To play in Olympics is to represent country right??? Which means play for Russia, am i right??
Click to expand...

Yes, you have to play for a country in order to compete in the Olympics... but let's be real, those gold medals are just as much, if not more, of an individual accomplishment as they are for your country.
 
Aonex said:
Lot easier to dismiss people's comments by calling them haters, eh? Are you forgetting that it was in fact the very players she's supposed to be getting along with that are making these comments? And read what I wrote, I said that she has a long way to go... but she needs to continue to play fed cup for Russia if her fellow Russians are to believe that she's sincere about wanting to help out. Talk is cheap.
Click to expand...

Truth--- 1. Maria could not care less about russian fed cup or teammates for that matter. 2. Maria wants Gold metal really bad. 3. Maria thinks of herself as more American than Russian 4. Maria speaks with broken russian and she could not care less unless she loses some endorsement money from russian sponsors. 5. Maria would never be friends with that movie Monster "Unnameable" look alike contest winner, it would ruin her social life.:grin:
 
phoony said:
Talking about loyalty. To play in Olympics is to represent country right??? Which means play for Russia, am i right?? So why still want to argue about her loyalty because she can't cope with the rest of the teams, because she cant speak fluent russian or someone said she can't pronounced her name probably. Is that the reason behind all these stupid nonsense idiot :mad: facts.

Speak there all haters.........tell me.
Click to expand...

If Maria is to play in the Olympics she will represent Russia, but winning the medal will be an individual achievement as Aonex mentioned.

Anyway...

Everybody is entitled to their opinions but some of those are facts, Maria comes off more American than Russian but that's her nationality. I have never heard her speak Russian and I’m not an expert of Russian dialect, but she will be fine and stop stressing yourself out.
 
that's funny to see most of ppl think negatively toward maria! and mostly think she's not loyal to her russian team...:confused:
to me it really don't make sense what sveta has said about maria...cuz we know how jealous all the russian girls are about maria!
like last few years,petrova,dementieva,myskina all had many things to say against her...now seems it's sveta,chaki's turn to say something....so who's next?? maybe vesnina?? :(
basically the only russian girl who's never said something against her and i guess will never say a thing,is maria kirilenko who's masha's friend:confused: ;)
 
christinamaniac7 said:
that's funny to see most of ppl think negatively toward maria! and mostly think she's not loyal to her russian team...:confused:
to me it really don't make sense what sveta has said about maria...cuz we know how jealous all the russian girls are about maria!
like last few years,petrova,dementieva,myskina all had many things to say against her...now seems it's sveta,chaki's turn to say something....so who's next?? maybe vesnina?? :(
basically the only russian girl who's never said something against her and i guess will never say a thing,is maria kirilenko who's masha's friend:confused: ;)
Click to expand...

You know what. They can't beat her on court so they used a dirty tactics by talked badly and negatively against her. As somebody said out there talk is cheap..........
 
MEAC_ALLAMERICAN said:
If Maria is to play in the Olympics she will represent Russia, but winning the medal will be an individual achievement as Aonex mentioned.
Click to expand...

Yes, the medal goes to her and at the sametimes a medal to her country too. If she win a gold it will count under her country belt.

What a big deal there :confused:????
 
phoony said:
I'm cold out here with my heineken ;) just can't stand anymore.
Click to expand...

You need to drink some a bit harder than Heineken and a thicker coat because players are going to receive negative and positive criticism. Could you imagine if the entire board thought alike?

In a few months this will probably blow over, by the way how do you get a picture in your avatar?
 
MEAC_ALLAMERICAN said:
You need to drink some a bit harder than Heineken and a thicker coat because players are going to receive negative and positive criticism. Could you imagine if the entire board thought alike?

In a few months this will probably blow over, by the way how do you get a picture in your avatar?
Click to expand...

2 bottles per night i will enough for it. And for your Avatar go to control panel -> edit avatar -> upload the picture there
 
MEAC_ALLAMERICAN said:
You need to drink some a bit harder than Heineken and a thicker coat because players are going to receive negative and positive criticism. Could you imagine if the entire board thought alike?

In a few months this will probably blow over, by the way how do you get a picture in your avatar?
Click to expand...

You are going to have to resize whatever pic you want to use. It will be pretty small.
 
christinamaniac7 said:
that's funny to see most of ppl think negatively toward maria! and mostly think she's not loyal to her russian team...:confused:
to me it really don't make sense what sveta has said about maria...cuz we know how jealous all the russian girls are about maria!
like last few years,petrova,dementieva,myskina all had many things to say against her...now seems it's sveta,chaki's turn to say something....so who's next?? maybe vesnina?? :(
basically the only russian girl who's never said something against her and i guess will never say a thing,is maria kirilenko who's masha's friend:confused: ;)
Click to expand...

Surprisingly enough, I am a Sharapova supporter. However, I don't believe in blind allegiance and am willing to criticize someone I cheer for when I disagree with what they are doing.

Is it possible that all these girls are jealous of Sharapova? Sure, I'm willing to entertain that possibility. But I think it speaks volumes that, as you said, different groups of Russians (first the older group, and now the younger ones) see the same things... that Sharapova will pay lip service to her nationality and say she's Russian, yet market herself as an American, and make no attempts to associate with the rest of Russians.

Is she a horrible person for this? No. I think people here are getting a little too worked up on this issue... but I think she has a lot of work to do to rebuild those bridges... and I've said this over and over again, that if she wants to avoid critcism in the future, then she has to continue to show support, and not just when it's convenient for her.
 
plz.....................Maria does what she 's suposed to do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

juanparty
Is Sharapova loved by her russians female fellows?
Replies
28
Views
6K
BashTheMashIsBack
B
Mike Bulgakov
U.S. v Russia Davis Cup Final
2
Replies
79
Views
9K
MEAC_ALLAMERICAN
M
L
Myskina not getting along with Sharapova = (
Replies
38
Views
4K
jeebeesus
J
F
I'm ticked off about Sharapova
Replies
26
Views
2K
Rafa's best friend
R
Zverev
Russia Fed Cup captain says denied U.S. visa
Replies
24
Views
9K
Zverev
Zverev
Back
Top