Russia names suspended Maria Sharapova in Olympics tennis squad for Rio 2016

Moscow: The Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) has named dope offender and suspended star Maria Sharapova among four tennis players who will compete in women’s singles at the Olympics in Rio. Apart from Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anastasia Pavliuchenkova, and Darya Kasatkina were named, reports Tass. The regulations for the Games say countries can enter four women players having the biggest points in international ratings. [caption id=“attachment_2800496” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] file photo of Maria Sharapova of Russia at the London Olympics in 2012. Getty[/caption] However, there is still uncertainty about Sharapova’s participation. Sharapova was suspended from competitions as of March 12 after testing positive for banned substance Meldonium. She her appeal heard in London and the verdict of the hearing will only be known by the end of June. The president of the Russian Tennis Federation, Shamil Tarpishchev, earlier said the issue of endorsing her participation in Rio would be decided during the French Open. Russia is expected to apply for her participation in the Games before June 6 and it is important to understand now if there will be an opportunity to put another player into the list of competitors if Sharapova is not permitted to perform at the Games. If substitution is possible, then Sharapova will be replaced by Yekaterian Maksimova, No. 5 in the ratings among Russian women players.