Tennis: Maria Sharapova hails doping ban cut 'one of my happiest days'

Maria Sharapova hailed the reduction of her two-year doping ban on Tuesday (Oct 4) as "one of my happiest days". PHOTO: AFP

Lausanne (AFP) - Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova hailed the reduction of her two-year doping ban on Tuesday as "one of my happiest days".

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) cut her two-year ban imposed by an independent tribunal appointed by the International Tennis Federation for testing positive for meldonium to 15 months.

"I've gone from one of the toughest days of my career last March when I learnt about my suspension to now, one of my happiest days, as I found out I can return to tennis in April (2017)," Sharapova said.

The five-time Major champion said she is desperate to return to competitive action.

"Tennis is my passion and I have missed it. I am counting the days until I can return to the court," the 29-year-old added in a Facebook post. "I'm coming back soon and I can't wait."

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.