Tim Clement on Maria Sharapova's return to tennis

The fallout of the return of sport's wealthiest female has confirmed suspicions that she is less than popular among her peers, with Eugenie Bouchard taking the party line of her comeback being a 'bad example' a step further.

Tennis' new poster girl frankly labelled Sharapova a "cheater", adding to TRT World: “I don’t think a cheater at 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. I think from the WTA it sends the wrong message to young kids: ‘Cheat and we’ll welcome you back with open arms.’

"I don't think that's right and she's not someone I can say I look up to any more."

Bouchard has often been considered heir to Sharapova's throne, even pairing up for photo shoots and a parody music video, but the Canadian has now used her elevated platform to slam her rival.

The Sharapova PR machine has already hit back at Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska, with her agent Max Eisenbud belittling the pair as "journeymen" motivated by on-court aspirations following their respective remarks about her Stuttgart wild-card.

Rome and Madrid have also granted Sharapova wild-cards for their respective Masters events, while the French Open will announce their decision on May 16.

Organisers of the events in Italy and Spain will hope that the storm will have calmed by the time Sharapova arrives, with Stuttgart having weathered the majority of the backlash.

Supporters of Sharapova will point to jealousy of the 30-year-old as the reasoning behind the players’ stance, with their title chances naturally diminishing following the return of the five-time major champion.

With Serena Williams pregnant, the opportunity for a new dominant force is up for grabs, while Bouchard’s financial interests also come to the fore.

The 23-year-old has emerged as the new pin-up girl of the game and, having struggled to back up her 2014 breakthrough campaign, might well be wary that Sharapova’s comeback will see her wrestle back a hefty market share of sponsorship.

The message coming from the women’s tour is that they certainly do not endorse the once unprecedented brand strength that is attached to Sharapova.

However, the majority of her sponsors stayed on side rather than exercising any sort of ‘disgrace cover’ in their contracts, with Head particularly vocal in their support.

The fact that the ITF tribunal and subsequent WADA appeal did not find Sharapova guilty of 'intentional' doping seemingly proved decisive in maintaining sponsor backing.

Also motivated by the obvious financial rewards, the tournaments to have offered her wild-cards have also supported Sharapova's comeback, which will potentially prevent Wimbledon from having to make the same tough call.

She can now legitimately qualify for SW19 without needing a wild-card and it would be no surprise to see her do so.

Roger Federer’s remarkable revival is clear evidence that a top player can produce results after a long layoff, potentially improving after the break.

Sharapova’s resolute character, which is perhaps only matched by Serena Williams, means she’s capable of handling the situation, perhaps too well.

She defended her manager’s words against Wozniaki and Radwanska while playing down what is written about her as little more than yesterday’s news.

Friendless on tour and now even more so in press rooms, Sharapova is doing little to rebuild burnt bridges.

Perhaps that because she doesn't need to. Sharapova may no longer be seen as a role model, but her ability to attract attention is as strong as ever.