Sharapova nailed in anti-doping test; Nike suspends deal

Los Angeles

MARIA Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion and the world's highest-paid female athlete, announced on Monday that she had tested positive for the recently banned drug meldonium at the Australian Open.

The tennis anti-doping programme confirmed the positive test, which occurred on Jan 26, the day Sharapova lost to Serena Williams in the quarter-finals. Sharapova, who has not played since because of a forearm injury, will be suspended provisionally on Saturday pending a ruling in the case.