Maria Sharapova confirms she failed drug test, faces suspension
She tested positive for meldonium.
Considered as one of the best players in the world right now, the former world number one said during a press conference: "I made a huge mistake."
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) website said on Jan 26, 2016, Sharapova provided an anti-doping sample to the TADP in association with her participation in the 2016 Australian Open.
That sample was analysed by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory, which returned a positive for meldonium, which is a prohibited substance under the WADA Code and, therefore also the TADP.
In accordance with Article 8.1.1 of the TADP, Sharapova was charged on Mar 2 with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.
Sharapova has accepted the finding of meldonium in her sample collected on Jan 26.
As meldonium is a non-specified substance under the WADA (and, therefore, TADP) list of Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods, the ITF said.
Sharapova said: "I did fail the test and take full responsibility for it."
Sharapova said: "For the past 10 years I have been given a medicine called mildronate by my family doctor."
"Few days ago, after I received a letter from the ITF, I found out it also has another name of meldonium. I did not know," she said.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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