Monday 14 March 2016 08:53, UK
Maria Sharapova has hit back at suggestions she received five separate warnings about changes to tennis anti-doping rules which ultimately led to her testing positive for a banned drug.
A defiant Sharapova defended herself in a post on her Facebook page, saying that she received one clear notice in December titled "Main Changes to the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme for 2016."
"I should have paid more attention to it. But the other "communications"? They were buried in newsletters, websites, or handouts," the Russian star said.
Andy Murray says Maria Sharapova has no excuse for her failed drug test
Former world number one Sharapova announced on Monday that she failed a drug test at the Australian Open in January.
Sharapova tested positive for meldonium, which was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list at the start of this year.
The five-time Grand Slam winner also said she wants to set the record straight because there is a lot of misinformation going around about her situation.
"I am determined to fight back," she said. "No excuses, but it's wrong to say I was warned five times.
"I'm proud of how I have played the game. I have been honest and upfront. I won't pretend to be injured so I can hide the truth about my testing. I look forward to the ITF hearing at which time they will receive my detailed medical records.
"I hope I will be allowed to play again. But no matter what I want you, my fans, to know the truth and have the facts."
