Eugenie Bouchard pulled no punches when addressing the topic of Maria Sharapova’s return to the court via a Wildcard entry in Stuttgart, labelling the Russian “a cheater”.

Sharapova made her controversial return from a 15-month doping ban on Wednesday at the WTA tournament against Roberta Vinci.

In an interview with TRT World, Bouchard strongly opposed the decision to allow the former World No.1 to return, insisting that she should’ve been banned for life.

“I don’t think that’s right (Sharapova’s return). She’s a cheater and so to me, I don’t think a cheater in any sport should be allowed to play that sport again.

“It’s so unfair to all the other players who do it the right way and are true. So, I think from the WTA, it sends the wrong message; cheat and we’ll welcome you back with open arms. She’s not someone who I can say I look up to anymore because it’s definitely ruined it for me a little bit.”

The Canadian was in Turkey this week for the Istanbul Cup but suffered an early exit on Tuesday, falling 6-0, 6-4 to Slovak Jana Cepelova.