The International Olympic Committee (IOC) first began to conduct doping tests on athletes at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

Sharapova wanted to test her level against the leading players but found the answer a rather brutal one.

Novak Djokovic marked his grand slam return with a thoroughly convincing win over Donald Young in the opening round of the Australian Open.

The prevalence of doping in sport has been once again to the fore in recent weeks, writes Jack Anderson.

Maria Sharapova remains on course for a first WTA title since returning from a drugs ban after beating Peng Shuai in straight sets in the semi-finals of the Tianjin Open.

Venus Williams seized her moment to win a thrilling clash with Petra Kvitova and reach her first US Open semi-final in seven years.

Maria Sharapova fired back at Caroline Wozniacki over her criticism of the US Open's scheduling.

Caroline Wozniacki has criticised the US Open for giving Maria Sharapova prime-time billing following her return from a doping suspension.

Andy Murray was handed a very walkable path to the US Open final but whether he is fit enough to take advantage remains to be seen.

Maria Sharapova has been handed a wildcard into the main draw at the US Open.

Maria Sharapova has pulled out of next week's Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati in an effort to ensure she is able to participate at the US Open that starts at the end of this month.

Maria Sharapova made a winning return from injury in the Bank of the West Classic on Monday night.

Sharapova tested positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open and her original two-year ban was reduced on appeal.

Maria Sharapova’s controversial return to competitive tennis was a winning one as she overcame Roberta Vinci 7-5 6-3 in the first round of the Stuttgart Open.

Not much fazes Roberta Vinci after 16 years on Tour, but the maelstrom swirling around her opening match in Stuttgart, Germany, against Maria Sharapova today will test the Italian’s vast experience.

The International Tennis Federation has rejected Maria Sharapova's claim that the hearing into her doping violation was "not neutral".

Maria Sharapova has told fans she is "counting the days" until she returns to tennis next spring after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced her two-year doping ban to just 15 months.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

You know the rivalry-but-not-actually a rivalry that exists, or did exist, between Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova?

Russia’s tennis team will be allowed to compete at the Rio Olympics this summer after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) backed the decision not to impose a blanket ban on the country’s competitors.

Two Irish sport stars have been named in Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s highest paid athletes in the world.

Maria Sharapova has vowed to appeal the two-year suspension handed to her for failing a drugs test at the Australian Open.

Leicester got another lucky break during the week.

Russia’s sports minister has said no one will face criminal charges over the worst doping scandal in the country’s history.

The most-medalled British athlete of his generation believes in a stress-free approach to life. It’s hard to believe that such a man with such a laid-back attitude became the premier 110m hurdler in the world for the best part of a decade. These days he has other passions, though he remains involved in athletics. And while vehemently against doping, he has plenty of sympathy for dopers. Part of the enigma that is Colin Jackson...

“Doping is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport. The spirit of sport is the intrinsic value of sport. The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind, and is the pursuit of human excellence through the dedicated perfection of each person’s natural talents. The spirit of sport is characterised, amongst other values, by ethics, fair play, honesty, health, teamwork, dedication and commitment, respect for rules and laws, respect for self and other participants, courage, community and solidarity.”

Maria Sharapova’s racket sponsor is backing the grand slam winner and is planning to extend its contract with her despite admitting to failing a drugs test.

World number one Novak Djokovic has given his support to Maria Sharapova and said he hopes she “gets out of this stronger”.

Maria Sharapova has only herself to blame for failing a drugs test, according to former World Anti-Doping Agency chief Dick Pound as the Russian former Wimbledon champion faces an uncertain future in the sport and the cost of losing headline sponsors.

Maria Sharapova is counting the cost of her failed drug test after three major sponsors moved to distance themselves from the tennis superstar.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

Serena Williams has praised the “courage” of Maria Sharapova after the Russian announced at a press conference on Monday that she had failed a drugs test for meldonium.