Maria Sharapova says she failed drug test at Aus Open, faces suspension

Sharapova reveals she had been taking the substance for the last ten years because of health issues.

Tennis star Maria Sharapova has revealed that she failed a drug test at the Australian Open due to the presence of meldonium, a drug used to treat diabetes and low magnesium.

The five-time grand slam champion, who is also the highest-paid woman in sport, said she had been taking the substance for the last ten years because of health issues.

"I made a huge mistake. I let my fans down and I let the sport down. I take full responsibility for it," Sharapova said at a news conference.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has said Sharapova, 28, will be provisionally suspended starting March 12.

"I know that with this I face consequences and I don't want to end my career this way. I really hope that I will be given another chance to play this game," the Russian said in Los Angeles.

Usually, under the anti-doping programme, the ITF imposes a four-year suspension on a player testing positive.

The tennis star said her family doctor prescribed the drug, also known as mildronate. This was prescribed after she frequently became sick and had a magnesium deficiency and a family history of diabetes.

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