Rafael Nadal calls for Maria Sharapova to be punished following drug revelations

Following Russian ace Maria Sharapova’s revelations that she had tested positive for meldonium, which is banned under WADA rules, following the Australian Open, former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has added to a growing number of voices to have addressed the issue publicly.

The Spaniard, dubbed the King of Clay, has been dogged by rumours of steroid use throughout his own illustrious career, one that has seen him win 14 Grand Slams in addition to a number of other titles. He has been plagued by injury in recent years, last winning a Grand Slam in 2014 – at his favourite venue, Roland Garros on his pet surface, clay.

Speaking to assembled press ahead of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, Nadal denied ever having used banned substances himself, saying “"I have never had the temptation of doing something wrong. I am very far from that, doping.”

"It is difficult to imagine that something like this can happen. But mistakes happen," he said. "She should be punished,” he said.

With a show of faith in the conscience of his contemporary, he said “..I want to believe it is a mistake for Maria. She didn't want to do it. But obviously it is negligence. She must pay for it.”

"I believe in the sport and the values of the sport," he continued, adding that he always wanted to “set an example.”

Sharapova claimed in the press conference that she had been taking meldonium for a decade to deal with other medical issues, and had neglected to see an email from WADA that showed it to be on a list of banned substances.

Nadal and his coach and uncle Toni described 2016 as the Spaniard’s comeback year, but Nadal has not had a strong start to 2016 so far. He was involved in a shock ouster from the Australian Open, upset in the first round by compatriot and Davis Cup teammate Fernando Verdasco in a tedious five-set match – Nadal’s worst-ever finish at a Grand Slam.

Meanwhile, a number of voices have spoken out both in support of and against Sharapova. While the Russian ace has had sympathy from Martina Navratilova, longtime rival Serena Williams and a number of Olympic athletes, former American World No. 1 Jennifer Capriati went on a scathing tirade against Sharapova on social media.