Maria Sharapova Thanks Fans for Support Amid Doping Scandal: 'Your Wonderful Words Put a Smile on My Face'

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Maria Sharapova took to her Facebook page on Wednesday to thank fans for their support amid her doping scandal.

“I woke up yesterday morning with an inbox, in full capacity of love and compassion,” the 28-year-old Russian tennis star wrote. “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 woke up yesterday morning with an inbox, in full capacity of love and compassion. The first email I immediately...

Posted by Maria Sharapova on Wednesday, March 9, 2016

NEWS: Maria Sharapova Announces She Failed Drug Test in January: 'I Let My Fans Down'

Sharapova announced on Monday that she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open, testing positive for banned substance meldonium. The 2014 French Open champ and 2012 Olympic silver medalist claimed at her press conference that she had simply made a mistake by continuing to take the anti-ischemic drug Mildronate -- also known as meldonium -- after it was added to the list of banned performance-enhancing drugs in January.

“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 (‪#‎IStandWithMaria and ‪#‎LetMariaPlay),” Sharapova wrote, adding that she had noticed the “good old paparazzi” following her as she ventured to the gym on Tuesday. “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,” she continued. “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.”

NEWS: Serena Williams Praises Maria Sharapova's 'Courage' Amid Doping Scandal

Sharapova’s longtime rival, Serena Williams, spoke out about the scandal on Tuesday, praising the tennis star’s “honesty” and “courage” in admitting to her alleged mistake.

“I wanted to let you know that your wonderful words put a smile on my face,” Sharapova, who is facing a possible suspension as a result of the failed test, concluded. “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.”

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