Maria Sharapova U.N. suspends as Goodwill Ambassador

Maria Sharapova has been suspended as a goodwill ambassador by the United Nations after she had tested positive for the banned substance meldonium at this year's Australian Open.

Maria Sharapova became a goodwill ambassador of U.N. Development Programme on February 2007. Sharapova's work with the U.N. focused mainly on helping survivors of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. "The United Nations Development Programme remains grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery," said on statement.

Maria Sharapova faces a ban of up to four years pending the outcome of an investigation by the International Tennis Federation. more on yahoo.

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Maria Sharapova Nike suspends $70m contract

Nike has suspended its $70m contract with Maria Sharapova after she revealed that she failed a drug test at the Australian Open in January having tested positive for meldonium.

Maria Sharapova leghthy ban, with the International Tennis Federation [ITF] confirming she has been provisionally banned with effect from the 12 March.

A Nike statement read: "We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria Sharapova.

"We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues.

"We will continue to monitor the situation."

Meldonium is used to treat diabetes and low magnesium, and the five-time Grand Slam champion said she had been taking it for health issues.

Meldonium with the wonderful side effect of increasing her endurance and performance, enhancing drug.

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