Djokovic Hoping Sharapova ‘Can Come Back Stronger’

Novak Djokovic says he hopes Maria Sharapova emerges from her current situation “stronger” after the former women’s world No 1 failed a drugs test at the Australian Open.

Sharapova told a press conference on Monday that she had tested positive for meldonium, which was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances on January 1.

“I obviously wish her all the best,” said Djokovic, who shares a racquet sponsor with the Russian and has famously done impressions of her on court.

“I’ve known her for a long time. I feel for her with all that’s happening and I just hope she gets out of this stronger.”

Chris Evert has expressed surprise at the lack of support within tennis for Sharapova.

The predominant response has been shock at how one of tennis’ most professional and meticulous players could fail to take notice of warnings that a drug she had been taking for 10 years had been added to the banned list.

Sharapova has accepted a provisional suspension and will find out after a tribunal hearing in due course what sanction she faces.