Maria Sharapova returned to tennis yesterday as the fallout from her drugs test failure continued to reverberate.
The 28-year-old showed little sign of strain as she laughed and joked with her trainer during a knockabout on the beach in LA.
The star was pictured still wearing Nike workout gear, despite being dropped by the brand in the wake of the drugs scandal.
The sports clothing giant was one of three sponsors to ditch Sharapova on Tuesday.
Maria Sharapova trains on beach still wearing Nike
All smiles: Maria Sharapova laughed and joked as she played tennis on the beach ( Image: Mark Kreusch / Splash News)
Maria Sharapova trains on beach still wearing Nike
Training: The tennis ace works out on the beach ( Image: Mark Kreusch / Splash News)
Watch firm Tag Heuer severed ties with the tennis ace, while Nike and Porsche both suspended their relationships with her.
The deal with Nike alone was worth £50million for seven years.
Other sponsors, including American Express, Evian and Avon, are said to be considering their positions.
Read more: What is the drug Meldonium?
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Sharapova, the world’s top-earning sportswoman, admitted she failed a test for meldonium at the Australian Open in January.
She said she had used it since 2006 due to a family history of diabetes but it was banned for athletes on January 1 this year.
The blonde star broke her silence on Wednesday night as she took to Facebook to thank fans for their “loyalty and support”.
In the post, she stated she was “determined to play tennis again” and hoped she would be given the chance to do so.
Sharapova added: “In this moment, I am so proud to call you my fans.
“Within hours of my announcement, you showed me support and loyalty, which I could only expect to hear when someone would be at the top of their profession.
Maria Sharapova trains on beach still wearing Nike
Branded: Sharapova continues to wear Nike despite being dropped ( Image: Mark Kreusch / Splash News)
Maria Sharapova trains on beach still wearing Nike
Fallout: Sharapova has been dropped by three sponsors ( Image: Mark Kreusch / Splash News)
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“I wanted to let you know that your wonderful words put a smile on my face. I’d like to play again and hope to have the chance to do so.
“Your messages give me great encouragement. This message isn’t anything else but to say thank you.”
Read more:
Maria Sharapova thanks fans for “loyalty and support” in Facebook post after drug confession
Sharapova’s confession has divided the tennis community. Czech-born American legend Martina Navratilova said: “I don’t have all the facts. I hope it’s an honest mistake.”
Former British No1 Jo Durie added: “I think that Maria is, in my opinion, an honest person who’s made a very big mistake.”
Address: Sharapova faces the media ( Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
