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 who achieved the world No. 1 ranking. A dominant force in women's tennis, she held the top spot for 21 weeks and accumulated 36 WTA Tour-level singles titles. Her career is highlighted by five major titles and winning the 2004 WTA Tour Championships. Sharapova distinguished herself as one of the few women to accomplish a Career Grand Slam in singles, solidifying her place among the sport's elite.

Sections (7)

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

2004: Criticism from Myskina and Others

In 2004, Anastasia Myskina criticized Sharapova's father after the WTA Tour Championships. Later, at the Fed Cup semifinals, Myskina stated she would stop playing for Russia if Sharapova joined the team, due to the behavior of Sharapova's father.

2005: Grunting at Wimbledon

During a match at Wimbledon in 2005, Sharapova's on-court grunting reached a recorded 101 decibels. When questioned about it, Sharapova defended her grunting as a natural instinct, urging the media to focus on the match.

January 2016: Failed Drug Test at Australian Open

In January 2016, Maria Sharapova failed a drug test at the Australian Open after testing positive for meldonium, which had been newly banned. This led to her provisional suspension.

January 2016: Failed Drug Test

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

January 2016: Meldonium Added to Banned Substances List

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

March 2016: Sharapova Denies Missed Warnings

On March 11, 2016, Sharapova denied reports that she had received five missed warnings about meldonium being banned via a Facebook post.

March 2016: Sharapova Reveals Failed Drug Test

On March 7, 2016, Sharapova revealed that she had failed a drug test at the 2016 Australian Open due to testing positive for meldonium. She was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) effective from 12 March 2016.

June 2016: Suspension from Tennis

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

September 2016: CAS Panel Findings

In September 2016, following hearings on the 7th and 8th, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) panel found that Sharapova had a reduced perception of the risk while using Mildronate for medical reasons and had not masked her use. However, the panel noted her failure to disclose the meldonium use and her agent's failure to check the Prohibited List.

October 2016: Reduction of Ban

In October 2016, Maria Sharapova's ban was reduced from 24 months to 15 months, starting from January 26, 2016, the date of her failed drug test.

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, by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

2016: Drug Test Failure in 2016

In 2016, Sharapova failed a drugs test at the Australian Open after testing positive for meldonium.

2016: Reactions to Sharapova's Announcement

In 2016, after Sharapova's announcement of failing a drug test, many fellow tennis players reacted with little support or sympathy. Serena Williams commended her for being "upfront with what she had done", while Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray publicly condemned Sharapova. Novak Djokovic felt sorry for her, but said that she must still be ready for punishment.