LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 7: Tennis player Maria Sharapova addresses the media regarding a failed drug test at the Australian Open at The LA Hotel Downtown on March 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Sharapova, a five-time major champion, is currently the 7th ranked player on the WTA tour. Sharapova, withdrew from this weekÂs BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells due to injury. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Maria Sharapova has had her multi-million dollar deal with Nike "suspended", by the global megabrand.

It is a further blow for the five-time Grand Slam champion, who has been the highest paid female athlete in the world for the past 11 years.

According to Forbes, she earned nearly US$30 million between June 2014 and June 2015, with around US$23 million of that money coming from endorsements.

Her sponsors include, Nike, Head, Porsche, Evian and Avon.

“We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria,” Nike said in a statement.

“We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues. We will continue to monitor the situation.”