Maria Sharapova, the former World No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam tennis champion, who was handed a two-year suspension by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on 8 June 2016 for taking a banned substance, Mildronate (also known as Meldonium), has won her appeal to have the suspension reduced.

Sharapova, the world’s highest paid female athlete, had her case reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in September. On 4 October, they agreed that as she was not an “intentional doper”, her suspension be reduced by nine months, which will see her back in action in April 2017.

Since the outcome, there has been a war of words between Sharapova and the ITF, with some former Grand Slam champions also weighing in on the matter.

Boris Becker – Watching #Sharapova on #CNN yesterday explaining her position ! I must say she could be little more humble/thankful now …

He then went on to add – After all,her ban was reduced from 4 years to 15month and she has nobody to blame but her own team! Still not bashing her tough #Sharapova” – and – Everybody makes mistakes and she confronted problem right away publicly plus medication she took was literally banned week before#Sharapova

Billie Jean King – Important to put this behind us for tennis and Maria. Look forward to her return to the WTA Tour@wta

Martina Navratilova – A big price to pay for a big mistake, it will still be hard to come back for Maria. But we know how tough she is…

Chris Evert – I am supportive of Maria shortened suspension, but a little surprised at her ITF accusations. They went by the book. All should move on…