When it was announced that Maria Sharapova was suspended from tennis for doping, most organizations turned away from her. The Russian lost lots of sponsors, and even the UN suspended her from being its ambassador.

Everything started to change when Maria’s ban was reduced to 15 months. The sponsors began to get back, and now the UN announces that it will reinstate Maria in her role sooner than expected.

From the UN

The UN released the following statement

“The UNDP is glad to learn that Maria Sharapova can return to the sport she loves sooner than expected and we will lift the suspension of her role as our goodwill ambassador once the reduced ban expires in April 2017,

We understand that Ms. Sharapova will be focused on resuming her tennis career and we look forward to discussing her role and engagement with the UNDP at an appropriate date.”