Maria Sharapova’s decision to take meldonium for almost a decade longer than recommended could cost her millions of dollars.
Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche on Tuesday distanced themselves from Sharapova following her admission she failed a drug test in January at the 2016 Australian open, according to The Associated Press. The five-time Grand Slam winner and highest-earning female athlete in the world appears to be losing the backing of three major sponsors as she awaits potential sanctions from the International Tennis Federation.
“We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria Sharapova,” Nike said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. “We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
Tag Heuer and Sharapova were in discussions over a new contract, but the Swiss watch maker announced it has decided to end talks, “in view of the current situation.”
Porsche will “postpone planned activities” with Sharapova “until further details are released and we can analyze the situation.”
Sharapova announced Monday she had tested positive for meldonium after taking the heart medicine since 2006 on the advice of her doctor.
However, the company that manufactures meldonium, Latvia’s Grindeks, told The AP on Tuesday in an emailed statement the course of treatment involving the drug normally lasts weeks, instead of years.
“Depending on the patient’s health condition, treatment course of meldonium preparations may vary from four to six weeks,” Grindeks said. “Treatment course can be repeated twice or thrice a year. Only physicians can follow and evaluate patient’s health condition and state whether the patient should use meldonium for a longer period of time.”
Sharapova earned over $30 million from prize money and endorsements in 2015. With Sharapova facing a potential ban and the loss of sponsors, we should expect that figure to dip in 2016.
Thumbnail photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Images
