Former world number one and global tennis icon Maria Sharapova has admitted to failing a drug test at the Australian Open in January.
The five-time Grand Slam winner tested positive for meldonium, a drug used to help the flow of blood and oxygen.
The drug had been banned by the International Tennis Federation since January 1. Sharapova had been taking it for health reasons for a number of years.
“I made a huge mistake,” Sharapova said. “I know with this that I face consequences.”
Her shocking announcement saw Nike, Sharapova’s longtime sponsor, suspend its relationship with her while the investigation continues. She is currently midway through a $70 million, eight-year contract with the sports brand, signed in 2010.
“We are saddened and surprised by the news of Maria Sharapova,” a Nike statement read. “We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues.”
Ben Nichols, a spokesman for the World Anti-Doping Agency said that meldonium had been moved from the monitored list to the banned list “because of evidence of its use by athletes with the intention of enhancing performance.”
According to the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme, Sharapova could be banned for up to four years for intentionally using a performance-enhancing drug. If found guilty, Sharapova could be nearly 33 before she returns to competitive tennis.
“I don’t want to end my career this way. I really hope to be given another chance to play this game.”
However, former coach Jeff Tarango does not believe that Sharapova will receive such a harsh penalty. He believes that Sharapova took the drug unintentionally, a punishment with a maximum of only two years.
“I think it immediately falls under two years but with these circumstances probably one year,” he told a BBC radio station.
The last time Sharapova was on the court she lost against world number one Serena Williams in the quarter finals of the Australian Open. It was the 18th consecutive time that Williams had beaten Sharapova, who has been nursing a forearm injury since.
As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on the former champion as she deals with easily the most difficult setback of her career.