I am determined to play tennis again and I hope I have the chance: Maria Sharapova on her doping scandal

Twenty-eight- year old Maria Sharapova, former World No 1 and Tennis sweetheart recently took the sporting world by surprise (or rather shock) when she announced that she had failed a doping test at the Australian Open in January this year.

Sharapova tested positive for Meldonium which she said she had been taking for 10 years due to various health issues.

It was only on January 1 that Meldonium became a prohibited substance and found a mention on the World Doping Agency’s (WADA) banned list.

She claimed that she had no idea and had not clicked the link on the email which was sent to inform everyone about changes in the WADA’s banned substances list.

While the jury is still out on whether she is guilty or if it was her genuine mistake, Sharapova will be provisionally suspended from March 12 though her actual penalty is yet to be decided.

On her part, the tennis star took to Facebook to voice her feelings and articulate thoughts surrounding this scenario and wrote a moving message thanking all her friends and fans for their unending support and reiterating how much she loves the sport and is determined to play again and hoping she’d be given a chance.

Here’s what she wrote:



“I woke up yesterday morning with an inbox, in full capacity of love and compassion.
The first email I immediately opened was from my best friend, you know, the type of person who can make you smile and cry with only one word and who I spent the evening on the phone with, checking up on me, how was I doing?
On average, I love the mornings. New day, new start. It is fair to say that this day was not average. Nothing came to mind at 6am, except that I am determined to play tennis again and I hope I will have the chance to do so. I wish I didn't have to go through this, but I do - and I will.

I needed to sweat, to push through and grind as I have done most of my life, so I made my way to the gym. That's when I realized a bunch of tinted windowed cars were following me. The good old paparazzi, back on the trail.
I have not been online much except the odd search for a new antique coffee table (random, I know), but my friends made a collage for me with all your beautiful messages and hashtags that you created (‪#‎IStandWithMaria and ‪#‎LetMariaPlay). I spent the afternoon reading them next to my dog, who couldn't quite understand why this was more important than the walk he was expecting to take.
In this moment, I am so proud to call you my fans. Within hours of my announcement, you showed me support and loyalty, which I could only expect to hear when someone would be at the top of their profession.
I wanted to let you know that your wonderful words put a smile on my face. I'd like to play again and hope to have the chance to do so. Your messages give me great encouragement. This message isn't anything else but to say thank you. Thank you very much.
- Maria Sharapova”

Image credit: Indiatimes