The time unit to be used with Maria Sharapova's impending suspension for a failed drug test could be months, not years.
Sharapova's cooperation with the International Tennis Federation's investigation into her positive test for meldonium could significantly reduce her exile, according to Tennis AS via Tennis World USA.
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Reports have indicated that the Russian tennis star could face a suspension of up to four years for the positive test that took place at the Australian Open.
Sharapova, however, has options that can help her cut away the majority of the time.
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"If Sharapova is able to prove that she didn't have the intention of boosting her performance by using meldonium, the ban could be reduced significantly," Tennis AS reported.
The World Anti-Doping Code stipulates that an athlete who admits a positive test immediately and provides significant assistance to anti-doping officials with the investigation would be shown leniency in the length of the suspension.
"Article 10.6.1 of the code also specifies that 'a player who gives substantial help will have to reveal through a written and signed declaration all the information concerning the violations he or she has made; and collaborate fully in the investigations and decisions taken about the information thus given, for example testifying before an audience if required,' Tennis AS added.
"Also, 'the information given has to be credible and be an important part of the process or you have to give a reason on which case could be treated.'
Which means that Sharapova potentially could cut her suspension in half if she proves she was talking meldonium unintentionally. If she continues to provide "significant help," she could knock off another year from her punishment, according to Tennis AS.
And if whatever testimony Sharapova would give under Article 10.6.1 were deemed important to the investigation, her suspension could be reduced to a few short months. She already is close to finishing her second week of suspension.
A suspension of "a few months" could put her on a timetable to return by Wimbledon, or perhaps even the French Open.
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