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She tested positive for meldonium.

Considered as one of the best players in the world right now, the former world number one said during a press conference: "I made a huge mistake."

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) website said on Jan  26, 2016, Sharapova provided an anti-doping sample to the TADP in association with her participation in the 2016 Australian Open.

That sample was analysed by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory, which returned a positive for meldonium, which is a prohibited substance under the WADA Code and, therefore also the TADP.

In accordance with Article 8.1.1 of the TADP, Ms Sharapova was charged on Mar 2 with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.

Sharapova has accepted the finding of meldonium in her sample collected on Jan 26.

As meldonium is a non-specified substance under the WADA (and, therefore, TADP) list of Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods, the ITF said.

Sharapova said: "I did fail the test and take full responsibility for it."

Sharapova said: "For the past 10 years I have been given a medicine called mildronate by my family doctor."

 

"Few days ago, after I received a letter from the ITF, I found out it also has another name of meldonium. I did not know," she said.