Tennis: Sharapova accuses ITF of bias

Maria Sharapova during the quarter final against Serena Williams at the Australian Open. Photo / Getty Images

Maria Sharapova has accused the International Tennis Federation of bias claiming the sport's ruling body was keen to make an example of her over her failed drugs test.

In her first interview since the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced her two year ban to 15 months on appeal, Sharapova says the ITF wanted a four year ban and at her hearing, the arbitration panel was chosen by the ITF.

She says she was in a hearing knowing the people she was speaking to were chosen by the people she was in a fight with.

The ITF has rejected Sharapova's claim of bias, saying her legal team was given the opportunity to object to any member of the tribunal, and they agreed in writing they had no such objection.