Austrian-based racquet manufacturer Head announced on Thursday that it is planning to extend its sponsorship deal with Maria Sharapova just three days after the Russian revealed that she tested positive for a banned substance.
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Head CEO Johan Eliasch admitted that Sharapova made a mistake, but also came to her side to defend the five-time major champion.
He said there is no ''evidence of any intent by Maria of enhancing her performance or trying to gain an unfair advantage.''
Nike, TAG Heuer and Porsche had all distanced themselves days after news of Sharapova’s suspension broke.
''She has and still is dealing with the medical conditions she described,'' Eliasch said, according to the AP. ''Prior to 2016, we believe that Maria has never throughout her career been taking any WADA banned substances or any other illegal substances.''
Eliasch went on to say that the dosage of meldonium that Sharapova was taking was '' significantly short of performance enhancing levels,'' according to the Associated Press report.
He added: ''Maria may have made a mistake, but she has earned the benefit of the doubt and we are extending it to her.''