Maria Sharapova suggests charging players large amounts for medical timeouts, half-jokingly saying that it would reveal when the rule was being used unnecessarily.

Following her U.S. Open first-round win, Sharapova was asked which rule change she would like implemented. She replied, "I'd probably start charging for medical timeouts. I think we'd all see who really uses them and who doesn't. Yeah, I don't know what we put on it, maybe like $2,500 or something. Yeah, I think we should do that. That would be fun."

Her opponent, Maria Kirilenko, took a timeout for a leg injury during the match.

Sharapova had also reacted to Ana Ivanovic taking a medical break during their semifinal in Cincinnati two weeks ago, mockingly saying, "check her blood pressure" during the next game. Ivanovic said she had been feeling ill and consulted a doctor.

At the U.S. Open, Ivanovic said she did not think players generally used medical breaks to interfere with their opponent's rhythm.

"I think that's a little bit harsh, you know. But I'm sure many players would agree to pay if it's about health, you know. Maybe toilet breaks. That's another story. But medical timeouts, I think players use them when they really need them."

In 2008, the WTA introduced a rule with fees of $100-$500 per medical break, but a WTA spokesperson said the WTA no longer imposes such costs.