Russian ace Maria Sharapova, who revealed in a press conference last week that she had tested positive for meldonium, which is banned under revised WADA rules, spoke out in clarification for the first time since the revelations.
Since Sharapova spoke out about failing the drug test, several ‘sources’ in the media have claimed the former World No. 1 ignored, or neglected to see as many as five warnings from WADA about the banned nature of the drug.
Also read: Maria Sharapova fails drug test – all you need to know
In a post to her official Facebook page, Sharapova rubbished these claims, saying they were a media fabrication.
The 5-time Grand Slam winner took responsibility for her actions, saying she “.. (make)no excuses for not knowing about the ban. I already told you about the December 22, 2015 email I received. Its subject line was “Main Changes to the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme for 2016.” I should have paid more attention to it.”
“But the other “communications”? They were buried in newsletters, websites, or handouts.”
Sharapova alleged that the warnings were buried under a series of communiques and emails from the World Anti-Doping agency, and the information was not readily accessible.
She also spoke of the data being buried under reams of small print, saying “There was also a “wallet card” distributed at various tournaments at the beginning of 2016, after the ban went into effect. This document had thousands of words on it, many of them technical, in small print. Should I have studied it? Yes. But if you saw this document (attached), you would know what I mean.”
Several media sources, alleged medical professionals and a number of Sharapova’s own contemporaries have cast aspersions on her claims of struggling with heart problems, which is what meldonium is primarily prescribed for.
A news article said that the normal treatment for patients using meldonium to treat angina is 4-6 weeks, and given that Sharapova had been taking it for nearly a decade, raised doubts as to her claims of long-term health issues.
Addressing those, she said that she did not take the medicine daily, but in low doses recommended by her physician.
The Russian, who won her first Grand Slam at 17, has had a career marked by injury but no controversy prior to this, with tennis legend Chris Evert saying “Maria is the last person you would expect to be involved (in this)...,” while World No. 1 and longtime Sharapova rival Serena Williams has also spoken out in support of the star.
Although both Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal think Sharapova should be banned, perhaps the harshest criticism came from American former World No. 1 Jennifer Capriati, who went on a Twitter tirade against the Russian.
Also read: Sharapova deserves to be banned, says Andy Murray; Rafael Nadal calls for punishment
She signed off saying she was “...proud of how I have played the game. I have been honest and upfront. I won’t pretend to be injured so I can hide the truth about my testing.”
The ITF ruling on the length of Sharapova’s ban will be revealed today, but her clarification further emphasizes the many questions that have been raised regarding her personal team and management and what is a major oversight on their behalf, if Sharapova’s claims are true.
The full letter:
To My Fans:I want to reach out to you to share some information, discuss the latest news, and let you know that there...
Posted by Maria Sharapova on Friday, 11 March 2016
