Maria Sharapova Maintains Support of Major Sponsors Despite Two-year Ban

• Nike, Head & Evian back Russian following verdict on failed drugs test
• Tag Heuer Porsche & Avon less supportive of the 29-year-old

Maria Sharapova has found support from sponsors after being given a two-year suspension for failing a drugs test at the Australian Open.

Sharapova has vowed to fight the ban, announced by the International Tennis Federation on Wednesday, after she tested positive for prohibited substance meldonium and high-profile sponsors Nike, Head and Evian are standing by the Russian, with Nike lifting the suspension they imposed on their contract when news of her failed drugs test emerged in March.

At the time of the failed test, the sportswear company said it was putting its eight-year, $70m deal on hold. But in a statement on Wednesday night, it said that it had decided to continue working with Sharapova.

“The ITF Tribunal has found that Maria did not intentionally break its rules. Maria has always made her position clear, has apologised for her mistake and is now appealing the length of the ban,” read Nike’s statement. “Based on the decision of the ITF and their factual findings, we hope to see Maria back on court and will continue to partner with her.”

Sharapova’s racket provider Head never wavered in its support of her, citing her as a “role model and woman of integrity” at the time of her failed test and proceeding to extend her deal. And in a statement, the manufacturer’s chairman, Johan Eliasch, said: “Based upon the evidence provided by Miss Sharapova, Wada and by Dr Don Catlin, the chief science officer of the banned substances control group, it appears that the ITF have made their decision based upon a flawed process undertaken by Wada that clearly highlights how Wada have broken their own rules in determining whether or not meldonium should be banned.

“We believe, based on the facts and circumstances provided to us, that is a flawed decision. Head will continue to support Miss Sharapova.”

On Thursday, Evian said in a statement: “The ITF tribunal concluded that Maria Sharapova’s contravention was not intentional. Following this announcement, Evian has decided to maintain its long-lasting relationship with the champion.”

Two of Sharapova’s other sponsors, watchmaker Tag Heuer and luxury car brand Porsche, have been less supportive. Porsche suspended activities with Sharapova following her failed test, and will now wait for the verdict to her appeal to the Court of Arbitration to Sport.

The company said in a statement: “We have taken note of the recent International Tennis Federation ruling in the case of Maria Sharapova and are especially aware that it was decided that she was not accused of intentionally violating the World Anti-Doping Code.

“As Maria will appeal the decision, we will continue to keep all activities with her on hold until the final judgement has been reached.”

Tag Heuer announced in March it had decided not to renew Sharapova’s contract, but has not ruled out working with her again in the future. CEO Jean-Claude Biver said: “We now have some time and, as she is suspended for two years, we are not in a hurry any more to sign a new contract today or this month. We will see later what we are going to do.”

Cosmetics brand Avon are also severing ties with Sharapova but insist that is not because of her doping ban. A spokesperson said: “Avon’s relationship with Maria Sharapova was a limited engagement that focused on one of our fragrances. The engagement is set to expire and we had not planned to extend this relationship regardless of the current situation.”

Sharapova claimed in March she was prescribed meldonium in 2006 for “several health issues” and was unaware it had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list from 1 January this year. An independent tribunal concluded, however, that while Sharapova had not deliberately broken anti-doping rules, for which she would have received a four-year ban, she had taken the substance to enhance her performance and failed to make necessary checks regarding its legality.

Sharapova described the two-year suspension on Wednesday as “unfairly harsh” and says she will lodge an appeal to Cas.