Russia Denies Sharapova Bid to Carry Flag at Olympics

Coach concerned with tiring opening ceremony
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 25, 2008 3:13 PM CDT
Russia Denies Sharapova Bid to Carry Flag at Olympics
Maria Sharapova of Russia waves to the crowd following her first round match against Stephanie Foretz of France on Number One court at Wimbledon, Tuesday June, 24, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Russian officials have denied Maria Sharapova’s request to carry her country’s flag at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, Reuters reports. “I advised against” Sharpova’s wish to be a flag-bearer, the Russian tennis chief said. “We want her to be fresh, not tired, during her matches." Sharapova has also decided to stay in a hotel, not the Olympic village, during the games. (More Russia stories.)

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