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Maria Sharapova admits failing drugs test, ITF suspends her provisionally

Maria Sharapova admits failing drugs test, ITF suspends her provisionally

Russia

Five time Australian open champion, Maria Sharapova has admitted that she failed a drugs test at the Australian Open earlier this year.

Sharapova called an unscheduled press conference for Monday to make a “major announcement”.

I will hold a press conference today 12pm PST, which will be broadcast LIVE on https://t.co/Chxh6xxfZY. For more info, visit my website.

— Maria Sharapova (MariaSharapova) March 7, 2016

The 28 year old said a substance she has been taking throughout her career only appeared on World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list this year.

“I was first given the substance back in 2006. I had several health issues going on at the time,” Sharapova told a news conference in Los Angeles.

“I was getting sick very often and I had a deficiency in magnesium and a family history of diabetes, and there were signs of diabetes. That is one of the medications, along with others, that I received,”

‘I don’t want to end my career this way and I really hope I will be given another chance to play this game,’ Sharapova said.

Maria Sharapova has admitted to failing a drugs test at the Australian Open. I sense this is only 15 – Love

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 7, 2016

The former Wimbledon champion, has been troubled by a number of injuries in recent years, leading to speculation that she was set to retire from the sport.

Maria Sharapova Career

Made debut in 2001

Won 35 WTA Singles Titles

Five-time Grandslam winner

Won all four majors

Won silver at 2012 Olympics

ITF suspension

Meanwhile, the international Tennis Federation (ITF) has issued a statement provisionally suspending Sharapova with effect from March 12 this year.

Tennis Anti-Doping Programme statement regarding Maria Sharapovahttps://t.co/ItmFaETc0U

— ITF (@ITF_Tennis) March 7, 2016

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