Sponsors ditch Sharapova, world's top-earning female athlete

MOSCOW (AP) — Maria Sharapova, the world's highest-earning female athlete for many years, was abandoned today by some of her biggest sponsors after the Russian tennis star acknowledged taking a recently banned substance for a decade.

Sportswear giant Nike, Swiss watch brand Tag Heuer and German luxury car company Porsche quickly distanced themselves from the five-time Grand Slam winner, who announced on Monday that she tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open, days after the drug was banned.

The former world No. 1 took full responsibility for her mistake and could face a lengthy ban from the International Tennis Federation, possibly ending her season and preventing her from competing for Russia at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

"I know that with this, I face consequences," Sharapova said Monday. "I don't want to end my career this way, and I really hope I will be given another chance to play this game."

"We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria Sharapova," Nike responded in a statement. "We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues. We will continue to monitor the situation."

TAG Heuer, which had discussing a new deal with Sharapova after its sponsorship expired at the end of 2015, said it has decided not to renew the contract "in view of the current situation."

Porsche said it has "chosen to postpone planned activities" with Sharapova "until further details are released and we can analyze the situation." Among still other sponsors, water company Evian said it "will follow closely the development of the investigation."