Defiant Russia name dope-tainted Maria Sharapova in 2016 Rio Olympics tennis squad

New Delhi: The Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) has named suspended Maria Sharapova among four tennis players who will compete in women's singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

According to a report in TASS, Sharapova will join Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anastasia Pavliuchenkova, and Darya Kasatkina in the Games.

Sharapova, 29, was suspended from competitions as of March 12 after testing positive for banned substance Meldonium. She, however, filed an appeal in London, to be heard in London. A verdict to the hearing is expected to be known by the end of June.

But Russia are expected to apply for the former world number one's participation in the Games before the verdict comes out.

If Sharapova isn't allowed to take part in the Games, Russia are likely to request for a substitute.

According to Olympic rules, countries can enter four women players with most points in WTA ratings.