Thursday 10 March 2016 11:25, UK
Maria Sharapova has revealed her gratitude to fans for their support in her first public statement since admitting to failing a drugs test.
The 28-year-old five-time Grand Slam winner said on Monday at a media conference in Los Angeles that she tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open in January.
Sharapova faces a ban of up to four years having been provisionally suspended with effect from March 12 by the International Tennis Federation.
The Russian wrote on her Facebook page: "I woke up yesterday morning [Tuesday] with an inbox, in full capacity of love and compassion.
"On average, I love the mornings. New day, new start. It is fair to say that this day was not average. Nothing came to mind at 6am, except that I am determined to play tennis again and I hope I will have the chance to do so.
"I wish I didn't have to go through this, but I do - and I will. I needed to sweat, to push through and grind as I have done most of my life, so I made my way to the gym.
"I have not been online much except the odd search for a new antique coffee table (random, I know), but my friends made a collage for me with all your beautiful messages and hashtags that you created.
"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.
"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."
Sharapova has accepted a provisional suspension and will find out after a tribunal hearing in due course what sanction she faces.
She admitted receiving a link to the list of banned substances for 2016 in December but did not click on it. Meldonium was added to the banned list at the beginning of this year.
Former World Anti-Doping Agency chief Dick Pound described Sharapova's conduct as "reckless beyond description".
