Maria Sharapova thanks fans for 'putting a smile on her face' and vows to return to tennis after failing drug test

Maria Sharapova has thanked her fans for their support and vowed to return to tennis two days after stunning the sports world by announcing she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open.

The Russian has been provisionally suspended with effect from March 12 by the International Tennis Federation after testing positive for meldonium.

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Sharapova said she took "full responsibility" for testing positive for the substance which she had been taking to treat "health issues" since 2006.

She told reporters she was not aware the medicine had been banned on January 1 2016.

Posting on her official Facebook page, five-time grand slam champion Sharapova wrote: "I woke up yesterday morning with an inbox, in full capacity of love and compassion."

The 28-year-old continued: "The first email I immediately opened was from my best friend, you know, the type of person who can make you smile and cry with only one word and who I spent the evening on the phone with, checking up on me, how was I doing?

"On average, I love the mornings. New day, new start. It is fair to say that this day was not average. Nothing came to mind at 6am, except that I am determined to play tennis again and I hope I will have the chance to do so. I wish I didn't have to go through this, but I do - and I will.

"I needed to sweat, to push through and grind as I have done most of my life, so I made my way to the gym. That's when I realized a bunch of tinted windowed cars were following me. The good old paparazzi, back on the trail."

She went on: "Within hours of my announcement, you showed me support and loyalty, which I could only expect to hear when someone would be at the top of their profession. I wanted to let you know that your wonderful words put a smile on my face.

"I'd like to play again and hope to have the chance to do so. Your messages give me great encouragement. This message isn't anything else but to say thank you. Thank you very much."

It comes after current women's world number one Serena Williams praised the star for her "honesty" and "courage" in coming forward and men's world number one Novak Djokovic gave her his support, saying he hoped Sharapova "gets out of this stronger".

Meanwhile fellow tennis player Caroline Wozniacki warned other athletes to "double and triple check" their medication.