After Maria Sharapova admitted to failing a drug test, Serena Williams has spoken out in support of her fellow tennis star at a press conference.
As we previously reported, Sharapova admitted to failing a drug test at the 2016 Australian Open for the drug Mildronate, also known as Meldonium. She has since been suspended from endorsements such as Nike, TAG Heuer and Porsche.
“Like everyone else, most people were surprised and shocked,” Williams said, New York Times reports. “But most people are happy with the fact she was upfront with what she had done in terms of what she had neglected. With that being said, she’s taking responsibility, which she was ready to do.”
Williams is also endorsed by Nike, and often comes in second to Sharapova. She even made $10 million less than Sharapova’s $23 million from endorsements last year. Sharapova will be suspended from matches starting this Saturday after the drug admission.
“In sport and in life, there’s always a double standard,” Williams continued. “Everyone knows that, whether it’s a race thing or sex thing. However, this is a different thing. As Maria said, she’s ready to take responsibility. And that takes courage and heart.”