Sharapova's Porsche ambassadorship uncertain

It's not yet clear whether Porsche will dump Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova after she was handed a two-year ban for using banned substance called Meldonium.

"I'm not going to get drawn into whether it would be a shame to lose her, but all I can tell you is she's been a fantastic ambassador for Porsche," said Porsche Cars Australia's Public Relations Manager, Paul Ellis, who also stated it was too early to talk about the future of the relationship.

"The news you're referring to has only come out in the last couple of days and the company hasn't formulated a position yet. That decision will made at the very top levels of the company inside Zuffenhausen and it will filter down to us eventually," said Ellis.

The two-year ban from the sport, after a drug test was returned positive at the 2016 Australia Open grand slam, could cost Sharapova roughly $8 million per year in on-court earnings and an estimated $10 million in endorsements.

Companies such as Tag Heuer and Avon have ended their contracts with Sharapova but others such as Nike, Evian and tennis brand Head will continue to endorse (and pay) the tennis star for her services.

Porsche has previously stated it will keep all activities with her "on hold" and hasn't decided to swing the axe just yet, meaning she will likely retain her ambassadorial vehicles, including a Cayenne GTS, for now.

The German sports car company is awaiting the appeals decision, as the tennis ace attempts to clear her name of any wrongdoing.

"We have taken note of the recent International Tennis Federation ruling in the case of Maria Sharapova and are especially aware that it was decided that she was not accused of intentionally violating the World Anti-Doping Code," said Porsche in a press statement.

"As Maria will appeal the decision, we will continue to keep all activities with her on hold until the final judgement has been reached."