Maria Sharapova Breaks Silence, Thanks Fans In Heartfelt Facebook Post

That can’t be undone now, and whatever sentence of suspension given to her must be served in order to maintain an even-playing field when it comes to anti-doping regulation. It’s not necessarily for the good of the game, but it’s important for consistency that goose, gander, duck, and swan alike are punished equally.

In the days following Sharapova’s admission that she failed a test whilst at the Australian Open, much has been said of the whole sorry tale. There’s been WADA‘s characteristically clinical, unsympathetic, bordering on callous response, in which they come across less like a board of considered global legislative regulators, and more like a totalitarian principal lording over a scalded child. There’s been comment from all manner of people, including many of you who were perhaps a little too quick to mine the Essendon Football Club scandal for punchlines.

Fortunately, however, support for Sharapova has also been forthcoming. At times, in waves.

Sharapova today took to Facebook to send a public message of thanks for all the messages, emails, and general sympathetic sentiments she’s received in the days following her announcement.

At times heartfelt, at others nearly poetic, Sharapova’s message covers both the trauma and drama of the week, the gratitude she feels towards those who sent their regards, and the burning desire to not let this particular set back be the full-stop on an otherwise glittering professional sporting career.

“I woke up yesterday morning with an inbox, in full capacity of love and compassion.

The first email I immediately opened was from my best friend, you know, the type of person who can make you smile and cry with only one word and who I spent the evening on the phone with, checking up on me, how was I doing?

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. That’s when I realised a bunch of tinted windowed cars were following me. The good old paparazzi, back on the trail.

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 create (#IStandWithMaria and #LetMariaPlay). I spent the afternoon reading them next to my dog, who couldn’t quite understand why this was more important than the walk he was expecting to take.

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. Thank you very much.

– Maria Sharapova.“

Sharapova has begun serving a provisional suspension, as the case against her is built by WADA. If found guilty, as expected, she faces a two-year suspension from her sport.