Maria Sharapova enrolls at Harvard during suspension

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 27 (UPI) -- She likely won't be eligible for the school's tennis team, but Maria Sharapova is going to Harvard.

The International Tennis Federation suspended Sharapova, 29, for two years earlier this month after testing positive for Meldonium, a banned substance. She appealed the ruling shortly after, but is not expected to be successful in the defense.

On Saturday she tweeted: "Not sure how this happened but Hey Harvard! Can't wait to start the program."

A ruling on Sharapova's Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) case is expected by July 18. Meldonium was put on the banned list in January by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Sharapova is a five-time grand slam champion and was once the world's No. 1 player.

The tennis star could now be looking to improve her business acumen at the school to be a backbone for her brand, Sugarpova, a premium line of gummy candies.

"Sugarpova is a premium candy line that reflects the fun, fashionable, sweet side of international tennis sensation Maria Sharapova. A long time candy lover with a surprising sweet tooth, Maria has created her own candy business to offer an accessible bit of luxury interpreting classic candies in her own signature style," according to Sugarpova.com.

Men's tennis star James Blake was set to graduate from Harvard in 2001, but left after his sophomore year in 1999 for a career in tennis. Blake responded to Sharapova's tweet with words of advice.

"Good luck," Blake tweeted. "Word of advice, don't touch the statue of John Harvard. Trust me."

The Russian has earned $21.9 million in 2016, including $20 million in endorsements, and $285 million during her career, according to Forbes. Sharapova was passed by Serena Williams earlier this month as the world's highest paid female athlete.

Harvard is ranked No. 1 for MBA programs in 2017, according to U.S. News. Harvard has also been previously ranked the No. 1 MBA by Forbes and Bloomberg.