Sharapova doping hearing likely in June

Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev said that Sharapova’s disciplinary hearing for doping could be put off until June, but added it was not official.

Russia's Maria Sharapova has been provisionally suspended from the sport and faces a ban of up to four years.

Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova is expected to face a disciplinary hearing over a drug violation in June.

The beleaguered female tennis star had earlier announced that she was tested positive for banned substance meldonium at Australian Open which she had been taking since 2006 for health issues.

She was provisionally suspended from the sport by the International Tennis Federation and also faces a possible ban of up to four years for her wrongdoings.

Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev said that Sharapova’s disciplinary hearing for doping could be put off until June, but added it was not official, Sport24 reported .

Tarpishchev further revealed that he was in regular contact with the 28-year-old and that she was continuing with her training.

Sharapova’s major sponsors Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche had all distanced themselves from her since her announcement.