Maria Sharapova’s career was undeniably filled with triumphs, but like any journey, it wasn’t without its challenges and moments of reflection. While many might expect her greatest regret to be a lost match or an unfulfilled ambition, the one thing she revealed as her biggest regret is surprisingly human and deeply impactful: her 2016 meldonium doping violation.
In March 2016, Sharapova announced she had tested positive for meldonium, a substance that had only recently been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). She openly admitted to taking the drug for medical reasons since 2006, prescribed by her doctor for various health issues including magnesium deficiency and family history of diabetes. Her regret stemmed not from intentionally cheating, but from a profound oversight: failing to click on a link in an email that would have notified her of the updated banned substances list.
“I take great responsibility and professionalism in my job, and I made a huge mistake,” she stated at the time, expressing profound disappointment in herself. “I let my fans down. I let the sport down that I’ve been playing since the age of 4, that I love so deeply.” This admission of a “huge mistake” and taking “full responsibility” was a rare glimpse into the vulnerability of a usually stoic athlete.
The 15-month suspension that followed was a significant blow, impacting her career trajectory and Olympic hopes. Her regret wasn’t about the substance itself, which was legal for most of the time she used it, but about the lack of diligence that led to the positive test. This “unexpected” regret highlights the immense pressure and meticulous attention to detail required at the elite level of sport, where a single missed email can lead to career-altering consequences. It serves as a poignant reminder that even the most accomplished individuals can face profound regrets born from a moment of human error.
