Maria Sharapova failed drug test at Australian Open puts Russian’s reputation on the brink

FOR reasons not exclusively related to tennis, Maria Sharapova’s drug blunder carries a huge price, beyond even the means of sport’s wealthiest woman, writes Leo Schlink.

FOR reasons not exclusively related to tennis, Maria Sharapova has long been regarded as the most particular elite athlete in the world.

Her thoroughness, strict adherence to routine and blinkered pursuit of success stamp the Russian as heavily as her icy charisma.

All of which makes her rookie blunder of failing to properly read an email from the world’s peak anti-doping body all the more baffling.

When Sharapova opened an email from the World Anti-Doping Agency on December 22, she failed to open the link.

Maria Sharapova is taking full responsibility for her actions. Picture: Getty

Had she done so, she would have seen her medication for choice for the past 10 years — Mildronate — had been banned.

The eagle-eyed Russian would have known that as of January 1, she would no longer be able to legally use the medication.

Instead of clicking on the link, Sharapova ignored it, continued to take Mildronate and duly tested positive at the Australian Open.

That blunder carries a potentially huge price, a price beyond even the means of sport’s wealthiest woman — loss of reputation.

An increasingly rare sight on the women’s tour because of chronic arm and shoulder issues, Sharapova is still one of the WTA’s box office lightning rods.

She drives spectator interest, participation, debate and fashion. She is a once-in-a-generation player, loathsome screeching aside.

Maria Sharapova during the Australian Open. Picture: AAP

Her future, suddenly taken out of the hands of the minions who also failed to read the fine print, now rests with the authorities.

Given the suspensions previously handed to a string of former champions, including Martina Hingis, Sharapova should expect the worst.

As feisty as the baseliner occasionally is, she will co-operate with authorities.

The former world No 1 is serious about her reputation — her marketers call it her brand — and she will be desperate for her career not to end under this cloud.

There are two certainties out of this: Sharapova will do whatever it takes, and more, to resolve the situation.

And she will never again fail to properly read an email. Especially one from WADA.