Novak Djokovic sympathises with Maria Sharapova

Novak Djokovic has sympathised with Maria Sharapova after she failed a drugs test at the Australian Open in January.

The Russian announced in a media conference on Monday??she had tested positive for meldonium at the first grand slam of 2016.

The substance was added to the??World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited substances on January 1, a fact Sharapova claims she overlooked having used the medication for 10 years due to health reasons.

Sponsors of the former world number one, Nike, TAG??Heuer and Porsche have all since distanced themselves from the tennis star.

Djokovic, who won his 11th grand slam at this year's Australian Open, hopes Sharapova returns from the controversy stronger.

"I obviously wish her all the best. I know her for a long time and I feel for her, for what's happening," the Serbian told TMZ Sports.

"I just hope she gets out of this stronger, that's all I can say."