Sharapova banned for 2 years over meldonium drug use

Maria Sharapova has been banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for doping.

Sharapova had tested positive for the banned drug meldonium at the Australia Open earlier in the year.

The ban, it is envisaged, may end the career of the richest female athlete of the past decade.

The ITF made the announcement Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation about the future of the former world No. 1 Sharapova.

Her case was heard by a three-person tribunal on May 18 and 19.

She immediately said on her Facebook page she would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will have the final say on the matter.

The ITF had sought a four-year punishment for the tennisist but said they it wouldn’t be appealing to CAS.

Meldonium was added to the prohibited list “because of evidence of its use by athletes with the intention of enhancing performance,” said World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] on its website.

Boosting endurance and helping in the recovery process are potential benefits for athletes. 

Sharapova took meldonium before matches but never declared it on doping control forms, including at the Australian Open this year. 

She tested positive five times for meldonium in 2015.

“The manner of its use, on match days and when undertaking intensive training, is only consistent with an intention to boost her energy levels,” the tribunal said in the ruling. 

“It may be that she genuinely believed that Mildronate had some general beneficial effect on her health.

“But…

– the manner in which the medication was taken,

– its concealment from the anti-doping authorities, 

– her failure to disclose it even to her own team, and,

– the lack of any medical justification must inevitably lead to the conclusion that she took Mildronate for the purpose of enhancing her performance.”

Sharapova, one of tennis’ top competitors, vowed to “fight” to return to the court soon.

“I have missed playing tennis and I have missed my amazing fans, who are the best and most loyal fans in the world,” she said. 

“I have read your letters. I have read your social media posts and your love and support has gotten me through these tough days. 

“I intend to stand for what I believe is right and that’s why I will fight to be back on the tennis court as soon as possible.”

In the meantime, WADA will review the decision before deciding whether or not to take the matter to Swiss-based court.

The two-year ban is in line with non-specified substances such as meldonium for first-time offenders who aren’t deemed to have intentionally cheated.

However, Sharapova certainly wasn’t an innocent party, as laid out by the tribunal’s 33-page ruling.

“She is the sole author of her misfortune,” it stated in its conclusion.

And WTA head Steve Simon, replying to the verdict, emphasized the importance of players to follow the rules.

“It is important at all times for players to be aware of the rules and to follow them,” Simon said. 

“In this case, Maria has taken responsibility for her mistake from the outset. 

“The WTA supports the process that the ITF and Maria have followed.”

Sharapova stunned the world in March when the five-time grand slam winner said in a Los Angeles press conference arranged by her entourage that she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open on January 26. 

She received a provisional ban on March 12.

[Sportsmo]

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