On the back of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) imposing a two-year ban on Maria Sharapova for failing a drug test, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has reportedly requested the players not to speak negatively about the Russian.

Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most renowned names in the tennis circuit, had been taking a banned substance called meldonium since 10 years, before it was forbidden for athletes effective from January 1, 2016.

Naturally, this didn’t go down well with her tennis contemporaries, who were off-putting in their words.. The likes of Caroline Wozniacki, Heather Watson, and Dominika Cibulkova all criticized Sharapova, before Roger Federer and James Blake also chipped in with critical remarks.

However, the WTA reportedly sent across an electronic mail to the players, requesting them to refrain from negative talks with reference to the ban. This was revealed by a player to writer Jon Wertheim, who then made it public on Twitter.

Disappointed to hear via a player that WTA has sent out a “don’t speak negatively” email re Sharpova. Talking points are at odds w/ strength

— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) June 8, 2016