Banned Sharapova 'to play' at Olympics
Maria Sharapova’s failed drugs test is a “game-changer for life, not just for tennis”, says her former coach.
Nick Bollettieri also told the BBC he was shocked the former world number one had tested positive because “she has always been above board in everything”.
He added: “It’s kind of tough to find a black mark against her.”
Sharapova has been taking meldonium since 2006 for health reasons – the substance was added to the banned list at the start of 2016.
The Russian revealed she tested positive at the Australian Open in January.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said Sharapova would be provisionally suspended from 12 March.
She could face up to a four-year ban.
“Everybody must accept responsibilities for everything they do in life.” American Bollettieri, 84, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “Everything, not just for tennis and sports.”
Sportswear company Nike said it was ending its association with Sharapova until investigations were complete.
Watch manufacturer Tag Heuer have already said it does not plan to extend its contract with the 2004 Wimbledon champion.
“I did fail the test and take full responsibility for it,” said Sharapova.
With career earnings from tennis alone amounting to almost £26m, she claimed she had taken meldonium “for the past 10 years” after being given it by “my family doctor” but had known the drug as mildronate.
Meanwhile, Russia’s tennis chief says he expects Maria Sharapova to play at the 2016 Olympics despite her failed drugs test.
The Games in Rio de Janeiro start on 5 August.
“I think this is just a load of nonsense,” Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev told the TASS news agency.
“The sportsmen take what they are given by the physiotherapists and by the doctors.
“I think Sharapova will play at the Olympics. However, we will need to see how this will develop.”