JOIN THE DEBATE: What Impact Will Loss of Sponsors Have on Sharapova’s Career?

March 9, 2016

On Monday, Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova admitted to failing a drug test at the Australian Open in January. 

Her major sponsors, such as Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche, acted very swiftly by cutting their ties with the 28-year-old five-time Grand Slam winner.

Sharapova tested positive for Meldonium, which is a substance that was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on 1 January 2016.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has provisionally banned Sharapova from 12 March.

“I take responsibility for my professionalism in my job and I made a big mistake,” Sharapova said at a press conference in Los Angeles.

“I know there will be consequences and I don’t want to end my career this way. I really hope I will be given another chance to play tennis again. I can’t blame anyone but myself. I have let my fans down.”

Can Sharapova rebuild her career and image after this? 

Will more sponsors follow suit and end their relationship with her? 

Share your thoughts by joining the discussion on iSportconnect HERE.

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