Maria Sharapova Still in Russia's Olympic Plans Despite Serving Doping Ban
Maria Sharapova has been suspended since last month, when she admitted she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open.
Highlights
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Sharapova was suspended after she tested positive for banned meldonium
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She admitted failing dope test in March, 2016.
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Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam winner.
Russia says Maria Sharapova is still in its plans for the Olympic tennis tournament in August despite her provisional suspension for failing a drug test. (Maria Sharapova Confirms Failed Drug Test, Provisionally Suspended)
Sharapova has been suspended since last month, when she admitted she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open. (Andy Murray Says Maria Sharapova Should be Banned, Criticises Racket Manufacturer)
Sharapova said that she had been taking meldonium for medical reasons for 10 years and had not seen a World Anti-Doping Agency ruling last year that it would be banned for 2016.
Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev says in a statement, "We really hope that Sharapova will still be allowed to take part in the Olympic Games."
No date has been announced by the International Tennis Federation for a hearing into the case of Sharapova, who won Olympic silver in 2012.