Meldonium. It’s been in the news a lot lately. Why? Well, if you don’t know, Maria Sharapova announced earlier this week that she tested positive for the drug at the Australian Open. Following her positive test, many other Russians from various other sports have tested positive for it. Now, another tennis player has been discovered to use it. The player? Alexander Zverev.
Why Does He Use It
Croatian website alo.rs was the first to report that the rising German star was taking the drug. Nikola Pilic, a famous Croatian drug expert says that, “It is a cure for diabetes.” He continued by saying that the German phenom uses the drug with permission of a doctor and that Sharapova took it for medical reasons just like the Russian. Sharapova took it because she was getting the flu every month, irregular EKGs, and early signs of diabetes, which runs in her family.
Pilic Speaks On Sharapova
With a suspension looming for the Russian, the suspension is set to begin this weekend but the length is still yet to be determined, the Croatian expert spoke on the 28-year-old’s career. He said that he respects her results and the trophies she’s earned. He continued by saying that that he believes that she never used it illegally (as a performance-enhancer). He finished it off by saying that he hopes to see her on the court soon and believes she won’t get a long-term suspension.
Zverev’s 2016
The German has had a strong start to 2016, getting into the semifinals of an ATP event and getting a Davis Cup call-up. The 18-year-old made the semifinals at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier, losing to Paul-Henri Mathieu in two tightly-contested sets. He played in the Davis Cup against the Czech Republic, losing to Tomas Berdych in five sets and then to Lukas Rosol in the decisive fifth rubber.
