HEAD TO STICK WITH SHARAPOVA

Written by: Staff on 10th March 2016

HEAD TO STICK WITH SHARAPOVA

epa05125964 Maria Sharapova of Russia in action against Serena Williams of the US during their quarter finals round on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 26 January 2016. EPA/LUKAS COCH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Head To Stick With Sharapova

Sharapova’s racquet company, Head, has announced it is ready to maintain its association with Sharapova as she attempts to restore her reputation following an announcement that she tested positive for a banned substance.

“Head is proud to stand behind Maria, now and into the future and we intend to extend her contract. We look forward to working with her and to announcing new sponsorships in the weeks and months ahead.

“Maria may have made a mistake, but she has earned the benefit of the doubt and we are extending it to her,” company CEO John Eliasch said in a statement.

Though saying the company has a “strict anti-doping policy,” he said, “In the absence of any evidence of any intent by Maria of enhancing her performance or trying to gain an unfair advantage through the use of mildronate, we further conclude this falls into the category of ‘honest’ mistakes.

“We also know that for more than a decade, Maria Sharapova has been a role model and woman of integrity who has inspired millions of fans around the world to play and watch tennis. We look forward to many more years of working with Maria.”

Contents Via Bob Larson Tennis News Service With permission

Maria Sharapova of Russia plays a shot against Lauren Davis of the United States during their third round match on day five of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 22 January 2016. EPA/TRACEY NEARMY

Topics: HEAD tennis, Maria Sharapova, Tennis News, Wta