Sponsors show support for Maria Sharapova despite two-year ban

Tennis star Maria Sharapova has received the backing of two major sponsors despite being given a two-year ban for failing a drugs test.

Sharapova's ban, announced by the International Tennis Federation on Wednesday, is backdated to January 26 this year, when she tested positive for prohibited substance meldonium at the Australian Open.

High-profile sponsors Nike and Head are standing by the superstar, with Nike lifting the suspension they imposed when news of her failed drugs test emerged in March.

At the time of the failed test, the sportswear giant said it was putting its eight-year, $70m deal on hold despite having a relationship with the Russian since she was 11 years old.

But in a statement Nike said that it had decided to continue working with Sharapova.

Sharapova's racket provider Head never wavered in its support of her, citing her as a "role model and woman of integrity" at the time of her failed test and proceeding to extend her deal.

Sharapova described the two-year ban as "unfairly harsh" and says she will lodge an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.