Defending women's champion Maria Sharapova reached the French Open second round yesterday, but was jeered by fans after she refused to carry out a routine on-court TV interview blaming it on her voice
Russia's Maria Sharapova returns the ball to Estonia's Kaia Kanepi during the women's first round of the Roland Garros 2015 French Tennis Open in Paris
London: Defending women's champion Maria Sharapova reached the French Open second round yesterday, but was jeered by fans after she refused to carry out a routine on-court TV interview blaming it on her voice.
Russia's Maria Sharapova returns the ball to Estonia's Kaia Kanepi during the women's first round of the Roland Garros 2015 French Tennis Open in Paris. Pic/AFP
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Second-seed Sharapova defeated experienced Estonian Kaia Kanepi, who was a quarter-finalist three years ago, 6-2, 6-4 to set-up a clash against Fed Cup teammate Vitalia Diatchenko.
However, the 27-year-old Sharapova then irritated the Philippe Chatrier Court crowd here by refusing to carry out the traditional on-court television interview, claiming her voice was not strong enough as she had been suffering from a cold.
"I totally understand that everyone usually does the interviews and answers a few questions to the crowd but I'm not making any excuses. I've got to do what I have to do," said Sharapova.
Meanwhile, former World No 2 two and 2012 Wimbledon runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska was a shock first-round loser.
Radwanska stunned
Polish 14th seed, a quarter-finalist in 2013, lost 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 to Germany's Annika Beck. The loss was only the third time in 34 Grand Slam events that 26-year-old Radwanska lost in the first round.
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