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Djokovic backs 'courageous' Sharapova

Maria Sharapova has been "very courageous" to admit her failed drugs test, but must "suffer consequences," says world number one Novak Djokovic.

The five-time Grand Slam winner, 28, revealed on Monday she tested positive for meldonium in January.

"I do feel sorry [for] her, but it's normal to accept that under these circumstances the player has to suffer certain consequences," Djokovic said.

Russian Sharapova will be provisionally suspended from 12 March.

Earlier this week, world number two Andy Murray said Sharapova "must accept responsibility" for failing the test, while women's world number one Serena Williams said her rival had shown "a lot of courage".