By Neil Schmidt
Enquirer staff writer

MASON - When 17-year-old Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon, local fans started wondering if she'd play in the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open.

She didn't, in part because of WTA rules that restrict the number of tournaments players of ages 14 to 17 can play.

The age-eligibility rule enacted in 1995 phases teenagers into WTA competition gradually, including a limit of 13 events for 17-year-olds. The merit-based system allows top players to add more events; the maximum Sharapova could play this year is 20.

Sharapova has played 12 tournaments. The average number the rest of the top 25 players in the world have played this year is 19.

The rules defining limits of participation, intended to guide young players' development and prevent burnout, have been hot-button issues since their inception.

Players like Serena Williams, Anna Kournikova and Sharapova all threatened challenges at one point.

"I've always been against them," 31-year-old Amy Frazier, who has played pro events since she was 15, said of the rules. "It's a professional sport. I don't think it's anyone's right to tell you when or if you can play."

The rules are part of the WTA's Professional Development program, in which players are educated about subjects like travel, agents, endorsements and the media.

The age rule is inextricably linked to Jennifer Capriati. She burst onto the scene at 14, already burdened by endorsement contracts, and turned her back on the game for her last three teenage years before launching a comeback in 1999.

Other players like Tracy Austin and Martina Hingis bloomed early but were forced into retirement by physical or mental stress.

"It was determined these were in-depth programs we needed to put in place to address the stressors in their environment," said Ashley Keber, the WTA's Player Development manager. "This should be the coolest job in the world. We want to do what we can to help them enjoy it."

The only legal challenge to the rule came in 1998, when Croatia's Mirjana Lucic sued unsuccessfully in Sydney, Australia, to try to play doubles there alongside Hingis.

The rule and program have been tweaked annually. A major review for the rule's 10th anniversary is in progress and should be completed this fall. Reportedly, that review will recommend increasing the number of events young players are permitted to play.

The debate remains of whether a well-intended system adversely affects those who peak early.

Top-ranked Justine Henin-Hardenne has spoken out in favor of the age restrictions. Hingis, who at 16 became the youngest No. 1 in history, is opposed to them.

"At 14, 15, you can still change things technically and strategically, but when you're 18, 19, it's almost too late," Hingis said in March. "The players today are almost not getting the time to learn the game."

E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com