Eugenie Bouchard has become the leading voice against Maria Sharapova's return to tennis.
The Canadian star revealed last month that she thought Sharapova was a "cheat" and should not be allowed return to action after her 15-month ban for Meldonium usage.
On Monday night, the duo met at the Madrid Open, with Bouchard winning in three sets. It was the first time she defeated Sharapova, whom she previously admitted was a she looked up to.
"I definitely had some extra motivation", Bouchard revealed after the win. "I'd never beaten her before."
How bow dah pic.twitter.com/SOAcpEWflu
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) May 8, 2017
"Given the circumstances, I was actually inspired before the match because I'd a lot of players coming up to me privately wishing me good luck - players I don't normally speak to."
"I was getting a lot of texts from people in the tennis world that were just rooting for me. I wanted to do it for myself, but also for all of these people. I really felt support."
Despite beating Sharapova, Bouchard is still adamant that the five-time Grand Slam champion should not have been allowed return to the game. "I still have the same opinion as when I was asked that question before."
Bouchard did admit that though Sharapova has impressed since her "so-called comeback" to the game. "I think she's been playing really well... She was playing well today. It was tough".
The Canadian now plays Angelique Kerber on Wednesday.
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