Banned Sharapova could return in January, Russian officials confident star on track
Five-time grand slam winner Maria Sharapova could be back as soon from a two-year drug ban as January, according to Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) president Shamil Tarpishchev.
Banned tennis star Maria Sharapova. Source: 7 News
"Everything will be decided in September. It is impossible to say for certain but I think she will start playing again by January," Tarpishchev was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency on Monday.
Former world No.1 Sharapova was suspended for two years in June following a positive test for the banned drug meldonium at January's Australian Open.
'''Sharapova to miss Olympics will appeal postponed to September
Sharapova's lawyer demands WADA apology
Sharapova warned 'at least five times' over meldonium use'''
Sharapova filed an immediate appeal in June, seeking to overturn or reduce the suspension imposed by the ITF.
There are reports the 29-year-old was warned at least five times about the meldonium ban before she returned a positive test for the drug at this year's Australian Open.
There were three warnings via correspondence about the ban from the International Tennis Federation and a further two from the Women's Tennis Association, according to London's Times.
Sharapova was facing up to a four-year ban. Source: 7 News
That followed the World Anti-Doping Agency announcing the ban as far back as September last year.
Sharapova's case is expected to be heard again on September 19.
Maria Sharapova could be back as soon as January. Source: 7 News
