ITF to consider WADA recommendations in Sharapova case

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said it will take the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) recommendations on meldonium into account when Maria Sharapova faces a hearing into her failed drugs test.

Five-time grand-slam champion Sharapova is one of 172 athletes to have tested positive for meldonium this year.

WADA revealed on Wednesday that "a lack of clear scientific information" meant that they could not determine how long meldonium, a drug used to treat heart conditions which was added to the list of banned substances on January 1, stays in an athlete's system.

The organisation said suspensions of athletes found to have less than one microgram per millilitre in samples taken before March could be lifted.

Sharapova was provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test at the Australian Open in January and the ITF said it has noted what WADA had to say this week.

An ITF statement said: "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 ITF does not intend to make any further statement until completion of this process due to the confidentiality of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme."