Romanian tennis player Maria Sara Popa recently found herself at the center of a media storm after her controversial statements regarding the Patrick Mouratoglou Academy allegedly doping young players and has now publicly apologized to the famous coach.
In last month’s interview with AS.ro, the 18-year-old Popa claimed that the academy provided junior players with certain substances, implying that these were performance-enhancing drugs: “There are athletes who take those substances, only they don’t get caught because they know exactly when to eliminate the substance and they know exactly when to take them. I, for example, was tested weekly and never took. But I can’t put my hand in the fire for the other athletes.” This statement came as a response to Simona Halep’s doping scandal, for which Patrick Mouratoglou took accountability by admitting to providing her with the supplement that caused her to fail the drug test at the 2022 US Open.
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Popa’s remarks caused a stir in the media, with many questioning the integrity of the Patrick Mouratogloy Academy and its practices. However, the world No.449 has now issued an apology, expressing regret for any offense caused to the celebrated coach and his tennis academy in France, although she didn’t really deny the truth of her initial statements:
I apologize for the offense given to Patrick Mouratoglou and the Mouratoglou Academy. I was never a member of the Mouratoglou Academy. I played there in a tournament under 12, Mouratoglou Cup in 2017. Again, I sincerely apologize for everything that happened.
Popa’s case highlights the challenges faced by young athletes in navigating the media spotlight and the repercussions of their words.
