The former world tennis number one Maria Sharapova will still be subjected to an investigation despite the World Anti-Doping Agency issuing fresh rules for athletes who tested positive for the now banned substance meldonium.
The five-time grand slam tennis champion Sharapova tested positive for the drug at this year's Australian Open after it was added to WADA's list of banned substances in January.
Maria Sharapova. Photo: Photosport
WADA said yesterday that athletes who tested positive for meldonium before March 1st could have bans overturned as the agency was unable to establish how quickly the drug cleared the human body.
However the International Tennis Federation said in a statement it would proceed with Sharapova's hearing.
"In light of the recent notice from WADA regarding the process for dealing with cases involving meldonium, the ITF can confirm that the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme case involving Maria Sharapova will proceed to a hearing in accordance with WADA's recommendations," the statement said.
"The ITF does not intend to make any further statement until completion of this process due to the confidentiality of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme."
