Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tennis racquet manufacturer Head have announced they will extend their sponsorship deal with tennus star Maria Sharapova.
The former world No 1 has been dumped by sponsors including Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche after admitting to failing a drugs test after taking the newly banned meldonium at the Australian Open in January.
The 28-year-old Russian insists that she did not take the drug to gain an athletic advantage, but had been using it as medicine since she was a teenager.
Despite the potential of a long ban from tennis and losing up to £100million in sponsorship money, Head announced they will stick by her.
"Head is proud to stand behind Maria, now and into the future and we intend to extend her contract," read a statement.
"For more than a decade, Maria Sharapova has been a role model and woman of integrity who has inspired millions of fans around the world to play and watch tennis.
"The honesty and courage she displayed in announcing and acknowledging her mistake was admirable. We look forward to working with her and to announcing new sponsorships in the weeks and months ahead.
Maria may have made a mistake, but she has earned the benefit of the doubt and we are extending it to her. We look forward to many more years of working with Maria."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments