Major Controversies Surrounding Maria Sharapova: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Maria Sharapova—discover key moments of controversy.

Maria Sharapova is a retired Russian professional tennis player. She achieved the world No. 1 ranking and held it for 21 weeks. Sharapova's career highlights include winning 36 WTA Tour-level singles titles. She is a five-time major champion and secured the WTA Tour Championships in 2004. Sharapova is one of ten women to complete a career Grand Slam in singles.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

January 2016: Failed Drug Test at Australian Open

In January 2016, Maria Sharapova failed a drug test at the Australian Open, testing positive for meldonium, a substance that had been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) effective January 1, 2016.

January 2016: Meldonium Added to Banned List

In January 2016, meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)'s list of banned substances.

March 2016: Denial of Missed Warnings

On March 11, 2016, Sharapova used Facebook to deny reports that she had received five warnings about meldonium being banned.

March 2016: Failed Drug Test Announcement

On March 7, 2016, Sharapova revealed she had failed a drug test at the 2016 Australian Open due to testing positive for meldonium, which had been added to WADA's banned substances list on January 1, 2016. She was provisionally suspended by the ITF effective from March 12, 2016.

June 2016: Suspension from Tennis

On June 8, 2016, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) suspended Maria Sharapova from playing tennis for two years due to a failed drug test.

September 2016: CAS Hearing Findings

Following hearings on September 7 and 8, 2016, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) panel determined that Sharapova had a reduced perception of risk while using Mildronate due to several factors. These included her long-term use, openness about it, consultation with her doctor, and lack of specific warnings. However, the panel also noted her failure to disclose meldonium use on doping control forms and her agent's negligence.

October 2016: Reduction of Sharapova's Ban

In October 2016, Maria Sharapova's ban was reduced from 24 months (2 years) to 15 months, starting from January 26, 2016, the date of the drug test she had failed.

October 2016: Suspension Reduction

On October 4, 2016, Maria Sharapova's suspension was reduced to 15 months, starting from the date of the failed test, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport found "no significant fault".

2016: Explanation of Meldonium Use

In 2016, Sharapova explained that she had been taking a medicine called mildronate for ten years, prescribed by her family doctor, unaware that it also had the name meldonium and had become a prohibited substance on January 1, 2016.

2016: Reactions to Sharapova's Announcement

In 2016, after Sharapova's announcement, many fellow tennis players reacted with little support. Some, like John McEnroe and Pat Cash, expressed disbelief, while others, such as Jennifer Capriati, suggested stripping her of titles. Serena Williams commended Sharapova for being upfront. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray condemned Sharapova, while Novak Djokovic expressed sympathy but acknowledged the need for punishment. The Russian Tennis Federation defended Sharapova.