Russian tennis star and the five-time Grand Slam champion, Maria Sharapova, would be provisionally suspended from 12 March for failing a drug test at the Australian Open.
What Happened?
On 26 January Sharapova, provided the anti-doping sample for testing. The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) analysed the sample and returned a positive for meldonium.
Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) president Steve Simon said he was “very saddened” at Sharapova’s failed test.
The Use and Impact of the drug :
The drug meldonium is meant for angina patients but it can be used by athletes to build performance-enhancing properties says Wada. But reports say Sharapova took it on a regular basis as recommended by her doctor.
Will Sharapova qualify for a retroactive therapeutic use exemption (TUE)? or could she face a ban up to four years, according to Wada guidelines? is under investigation.
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Video: ABC News on YouTube
