Nike suspends ties with Maria Sharapova after doping announcement

US sportswear maker Nike announced on Monday that it will be halting its relationship with Maria Sharapova, after the tennis star announced she had tested positive for a banned substance.

Updated on: Mar 8, 2016, 17:10:37 IST

Agencies | By HT Correspondent, New York

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US sportswear maker Nike announced on Monday that it will be halting its relationship with Maria Sharapova, after the tennis star announced she had tested positive for a banned substance.

Maria Sharapova speaks to the media announcing a failed drug test after the Australian Open. (Reuters Photo)

“We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria Sharapova,” Nike said in a statement. “We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues.”

READ: Maria Sharapova announces failed drug test at Australian Open

The five-time major champion says she failed a doping test at the Australian Open in January for the little-known drug, which became a banned substance under the WADA code this year. The former world No. 1 took full responsibility for her mistake when she made the announcement at a news conference on Monday in Los Angeles.

Sharapova could face a lengthy ban from the International Tennis Federation, possibly ending her season and preventing her from competing for Russia at the Rio Olympics.

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