Samantha Stosur is stunned Maria Sharapova got away with the "excuse" she didn't realize meldonium was banned before testing positive for the drug at the Australian Open.

Former US Open champion Stosur said Sharapova winning a shortened suspension from two years to 15 months in her doping case "really sets a bad precedence for athletes."

Watch: Maria Sharapova Suspension Shortened to 15 Months

“I can’t believe it actually,” Stosur told the media before the start of the Hong Kong Open. “I think it ... I don’t even know what to say.

“I don’t know how you can get away with that excuse [that she didn’t know it was banned], and have that [two-year ban] overturned. I think it’s remarkable that you can use that excuse and get away with it. It really sets a bad precedence for athletes moving forward where you can almost put your hands up and say it was not my fault.”

The 32-year-old Australian said most of the players she's spoken to share her point of view.

Stosur suggested Sharapova may not receive much support from her colleagues on the WTA Tour when she returns to action next spring.

“I’ve spoken to a few people and we all seem to have the same idea,” Stosur said. “We had the same idea beforehand, and now we have the decision. So I wouldn’t imagine there’s a whole lot of support from the playing group.

"It would be interesting to see [the reception] when she does come back.”

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