Maria Sharapova announces she failed drugs test at Australian Open
- 8 years ago
Maria Sharapova announced at a press conference on Monday evening that she failed a drug test at this year’s Australian Open and expects to face a punishment from the ITF.
She said the substance is called meldonium.
“I have to take full responsibility for it, it’s my body and I have to be responsible for what I put in my body,” she said.
The Russian said the substance was legal in tennis until 1 January.
It was something she has been taking for years and it was prescribed by a doctor in 2006 after she had irregular heartbeat and other health conditions including the early signs of diabetes.
She also said the substance was not performance-enhancing for her and she had no idea it was banned until she received a letter from the ITF.
It was not for recovery for the many injuries that have hampered her throughout her career.
She said the substance is called meldonium.
“I have to take full responsibility for it, it’s my body and I have to be responsible for what I put in my body,” she said.
The Russian said the substance was legal in tennis until 1 January.
It was something she has been taking for years and it was prescribed by a doctor in 2006 after she had irregular heartbeat and other health conditions including the early signs of diabetes.
She also said the substance was not performance-enhancing for her and she had no idea it was banned until she received a letter from the ITF.
It was not for recovery for the many injuries that have hampered her throughout her career.