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The five-times grand slam champion stunned the world in March
when she said she had returned a positive test for meldonium, a
Latvian-made heart medication which was added to the World
Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA's) banned list from Jan. 1.
Sharapova, the world's highest-paid sportswoman, claimed to have
been taking meldonium on doctor's orders for 10 years and had
failed to note that it had become a banned substance until
hearing of her failed test at the first grand slam of the year.
She was provisionally suspended on March 12 pending the hearing.
Hundreds of athletes have tested positive for meldonium this
year but WADA admitted last month that their bans might be
overturned due to a lack of clear scientific information on how
long the drug takes to be excreted from the body.
The drug's manufacturer said traces could remain in the body for
several months depending on dosage, duration of treatment and
sensitivity of testing methods.
The ITF's anti-doping program calls for a four-year suspension
for a failed test but it can be reduced in various
circumstances, such as for first-time offences or if the player
shows no significant fault or negligence.
(Writing by Ian Ransom; Editing by John O'Brien)
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