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Maria Sharapova admits failing drugs test at Australian Open.
Former world number one Maria Sharapova has revealed she failed a drugs test at the Australian Open.
The Russian, 28, tested positive for meldonium, a substance she has been taking since 2006 for health issues.Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion, said she was not yet aware of the sanctions she will face.
"I failed the test and take full responsibility for that," said Sharapova, who won Wimbledon as a 17-year-old in 2004.
"I had been taking this medicine for the past 10 years, but on 1 January this became a prohibited substance which I did not know."
She added: "I received an email on 22 December from Wada [World Anti-Doping Agency] about the changes happening to the banned list and you can see prohibited items, and I didn't click on that link."
Her most recent match was a defeat by Serena Williams at the Australian Open in January, but Sharapova, who turns 29 in April, hopes to be able to return to tennis in the future.
"I made a huge mistake," she said.
"I know I face consequences and I didn't want to end my career this way. I hope I will be given the chance to play this game again."
More to follow.
Maria Sharapova has revealed she failed a drugs test at the Australian Open in January - and fears for her future in the sport.
"I don't want my career to end this way," the Russian five-times Grand Slam winner said in addressing a press conference in Los Angeles.
"What I put in my body is my responsibility.
"This is new to me. I don't know what the consequences will be.
"I will be working with the ITF (International Tennis Federation)."
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