Former world number one Maria Sharapova announced she failed a doping test at the Australian Open, saying a change in the World-Anti-Doping Agency banned list led to the violation.
Sharapova said she tested positive for Meldonium, a substance she had been taking since 2006 but one that was added to the banned list this year. She said she did not look at the updated ban list before taking the drug.
Here, Sport360 takes a look at reaction around the world to the news on Twitter.
I can't wait for her to get back on tour and play again. #NeverGiveUp @MariaSharapova ???
— Team Sharapova (@team_sharapova) March 7, 2016
#Sharadoper
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) March 7, 2016
On Sharapova taking banned substance meldonium: https://t.co/Xwy66PcTLo
Wow. Classy of @MariaSharapova to hold a press conference for this and admit making a mistake. Definitely agree that have to be aware though
— James Blake (@JRBlake) March 7, 2016
Sharapova says the banned susbtance she took is called 'meldonium'. Never checked new banned list and this was added to it this year
— FOX SPORTS News (@FOXSportsNews) March 7, 2016
Sharapova tested positive for a drug she's been taking since 2006 that was just banned in January? This is progress? https://t.co/askIMMA9rB
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) March 7, 2016
That might explain all the grunting.#sharapova
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 7, 2016
"I don't want to end my career this way. I really hope I will be given another chance to play this game."- Sharapova pic.twitter.com/LieGV2WXVh
— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) March 7, 2016
Maria Sharapova has admitted to failing a drugs test at the Australian Open. I sense this is only 15 - Love
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 7, 2016
Maria handled the press conference with class, however all pro athletes should be well aware of what they are taking.
— Michael Russell (@MRusselltennis) March 7, 2016
Sharapova not alone. Went largely unnoticed today but Russian ice dancing champion Ekaterina Bobrova also tested positive for meldonium.
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) March 7, 2016
We shouldn't be persecuting #sharapova. We should erect monuments to her bravery overcoming cardiac problems for 10yrs.Hollywood movie stuff
— Ross Tucker (@Scienceofsport) March 7, 2016
Reaction of #Sharapova's sponsors going to be interesting. Include Nike, Evian, Avon, Tag Heuer, Porsche.
— Tim Crow (@synergytim) March 7, 2016
“Sharapova admits failing a drugs test”….you mean “Sharapova cheated”
— Andy Goldstein MBE (@andygoldstein05) March 7, 2016
Why isn’t it being reported like that ?
Sharapova: Took Meldonium since 2006 for Mg deficiency, family history of diabetes, irreg. EKG. Drug put on WADA banned list in January.
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) March 7, 2016
Whole tennis world currently googling meldonium
— Alex Ward (@AlexWard1990) March 7, 2016
Still stunned that nobody on Shazza team checked new list from wada, players are responsible but this is big time oversight on team as well
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 7, 2016
Sharapova's failed drugs test immediately puts the debate over whether a footballer was fouled in the penalty area in proper perspective.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) March 7, 2016
Absolutely shocked by that announcement! @WTA @MariaSharapova
— rennae stubbs (@rennaestubbs) March 7, 2016
