Sponsor Head to extend racket deal with Maria Sharapova despite positive drug test

Maria Sharapova's racket sponsor Head will look to its deal with the Russian star despite her positive drug test.

The Russian is facing a suspension from the sport after the banned substance meldonium was found during a test taken at the Australian Open.

Other sponsors including Tag Heuer and Porsche have distanced themselves from the athlete following her admission.

Head have taken a different stance by promising to stand by Sharapova due to her "honesty and courage" in fronting up to her positive test.

The company released a statement saying they were "proud" to sponsor Sharapova and will look to extend her current deal with Head and they hope to announce new contracts with her in the "coming weeks and months".