Maria Sharapova Announces She Failed Drug Test At 2016 Australian Open

Today, Maria Sharapova was expected to officially announce her retirement from professional tennis. However, in a wild turn of events, Sharapova just announced she failed a drug test at the 2016 Australian Open, which is why she called this press conference.

BREAKING - Maria Sharapova announces she failed drugs test at Australian Open https://t.co/O8PCWtMkQY pic.twitter.com/XiOnnzoGUH — Independent Sport (@IndoSport) March 7, 2016

Sharapova claims she didn't look at WADA's updated listing of banned substances for 2016.

Sharapova acknowledged she let her fans down by not being more vigilant of what she took and what is deemed illegal by WADA. Sharapova said she was taking Meldonium for a magnesium deficiency and a family history of diabetes.

The drug, known as Meldonium, is a WADA banned substance. Sharapova says she didn't look at the updated 2016 list. https://t.co/dVDLF4yiov — CBC Sports (@cbcsports) March 7, 2016

The 28-year-old Russian star and former world number one's last Grand Slam appearance came in 2015 at Wimbledon, where she lost to Serena Williams in the quarterfinals.

She acknowledged everyone's anticipation of her retirement but said if she was going to call it quits, she wouldn't do it at a downtown Los Angeles hotel with ugly carpeting.

Citations: Maria Sharapova (ESPN), Sharapova, Maria (Grand Slam History Reference Book)