Maria Sharapova announces she failed a drug test at the Australian Open
Russian professional tennis player Maria Sharapova announced Monday that she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open in January. Sharapova, who has been plagued recently by injuries, told the press that the drug was Meldonium, which she had been taking for 10 years. Meldonium was put on a banned substance list at the beginning of the year; Sharapova said she hadn't known. The drug reportedly helps increase endurance in athletes and helps with rehabilitation. Sharapova has been the highest-paid female athlete for 11 straight years.
"I don't want to end my career this way," Sharapova said at the press conference, in reference to rumors that her announcement was going to be about retirement. "I really hope I'll be given another chance to play this game."
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
