Maria Sharapova out of Olympics as CAS delays doping decision

Sharapova is by far the most high-profile of the tidal wave of meldonium cases that hit anti-doping authorities in 2016: as of mid-April, WADA was aware of 172 positives for the drug since the start of the year.

“On 9 June 2016, Maria Sharapova filed an appeal against the decision issued on 6 June 2016 by the Tribunal appointed by the ITF”.

“Meanwhile, Sharapova has revealed that she plans to study at the famous American institute Harvard Business School during her time away from tennis”.

The parties agreed to an “expedited procedure” allowing CAS to issue its ruling this month.

Maria Sharapova had a slim chance of her suspension being lifted in time for her to participate at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Maria Sharapova speaks to the media announcing a failed drug test after the Australian Open during a press conference today at The LA Hotel Downtown. “We had believed she could win a medal for us”, he said. “The final decision will be announced and published by CAS when it is available”. Haggerty said in a statement.

Sharapova acknowledged taking meldonium before each match at the Australian Open.

It also found that, whether legal or not, Sharapova had deliberately concealed her use of meldonium from the authorities, who require athletes to declare all frequently used medications, as well as from her own coaches and team.

The future of the former No. 1-ranked player is in doubt.

The scandal has also damaged Sharapova’s prodigious earning power, with several of her sponsors dropping her. She has awarded as many awards.

The five-time grand slam victor will also miss the US Open, which runs from late August to early September. An operation to her right shoulder in 2008 took her off the tour for months, and her ranking dropped outside the top 100.