Sharapova v Serena: Why a drugs test sparked a race row

  • Published
Picture of Maria SharapovaImage source, Getty Images

It's one of the greatest rivalries in tennis, but today's rematch between Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams isn't being played on the court, but rather among fans of the players on social media - and this time it's all about race.

Moments after five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova held a press conference to admit she had failed a drugs test, tweets began to emerge imagining how the scenario would have been played out if it was her rival who had been forced to make the confession.

Image source, @peacediva7/Twitter

At a press conference Monday, the Russian revealed she tested positive after losing to Williams at the Australian Open in January. Since the announcement, more than five thousand tweets containing both the names "Sharapova" and "Serena" have been posted on Twitter. The trend is being largely driven by black Twitter - a loosely defined term for those who use social media to highlight their black cultural identity. Most users are alleging that Sharapova is being treated lightly by the media because she is white:

Image source, @Reagoikanya
Image source, @cmclymer
Image source, @Rukwengye/Twitter

On the court, Williams is ranked world number one compared to Sharapova at number seven, and leads Sharapova in head-to-head contests, 19-2, external. But one estimate puts Sharapova ahead on total net worth, external, calculating that she has amassed more than £100 million ($160 million) when including prize money and sponsorships. Both players have established reputations as fashionistas, entrepreneurs and cover girls, and many fans took to Twitter to defend the Russian:

Image source, @ItsMeMarwine/Twitter

There is of course no way to prove whether Sharapova is or isn't getting favourable media treatment - Williams has never failed a drug test.

Image source, @JajaphD/Twitter

Blog by Rozina Sini

Next story: Did a 'prank' suicide bomb video go too far?

Image source, YouTube

Several YouTube stars have ramped up the shock value of their stunts to get clicks - but a video by a Saudi group faking an encounter with a suicide bomber has been blasted as one of the most outrageous "prank" videos yet. READ MORE

You can follow BBC Trending on Twitter @BBCtrending, external, and find us on Facebook, external. All our stories are at bbc.com/trending.