Maria Sharapova appeals 2-year doping ban with eye on Summer Olympics
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 07: Tennis player Maria Sharapova addresses the media regarding a failed drug test at The LA Hotel Downtown on March 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Sharapova, a five-time major champion, is currently the 7th ranked player on the WTA tour. Sharapova, withdrew from this week's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells due to injury. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- Maria Sharapova has appealed her two-year doping ban to the highest court in sports, seeking a ruling ahead of the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport says Sharapova is seeking to overturn or reduce the suspension imposed by the International Tennis Federation last week after the Russian tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open in January.
CAS says both sides agreed to an ''expedited procedure'' and the court would issue its ruling by July 18. That would mean that, if the suspension is thrown out, Sharapova could compete at the Rio Games.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CAS says it hasn't decided whether to hold a hearing.