THREE of Maria Sharapova’s major sponsors are cutting ties with the Russian star after she acknowledged failing a doping test at the Australian Open.

    Sportswear giant Nike, Swiss watch brand Tag Heuer and German luxury car company Porsche moved quickly to distance themselves from the five-time Grand Slam winner after she announced the positive test at a news conference in Los Angeles on Monday.

    “We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues,” Nike said in a statement.

    TAG Heuer said its deal with Sharapova will not be renewed. Porsche said in a statement Tuesday that it has “chosen to postpone planned activities” with Sharapova “until further details are released.”

    Russian officials Tuesday threw their backing behind Sharapova. “I hope that we will see her back on court and we are prepared to support her,” Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said. Shamil Tarpishchev, head of the Russian tennis federation, said he believed Sharapova would still have a chance to play at the Rio Olympics.

    (SD-Agencies)