INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Reaction to Maria Sharapova’s positive test for a banned substance is becoming more negative as a wider variety of players are canvassed, with French player Kristina Mladenovic saying there is widespread suspicion of the five-time Grand Slam champion.

Sharapova announced that she had tested positive for meldonium, a drug that increases blood circulation and was banned at the beginning of this season. Sharapova said she had not been aware that using the drug was no longer permitted and had been taking it for ten years for health reasons.

"All the other players are saying she's a cheater," Mladenovic told *Le Parisien*. "You surely doubt and think that she didn't deserve all she won until now. That's dreadful, but it's good that it's finally public."

Mladenovic suggested that Sharapova had been looking for an advantage while taking the drug when it was allowed. "If I take an aspirin I worry 10 times about what I do. She's been taking this drug for 10 years. She has played with the rules and thought, if it's not banned, then I can take it," said Mladenovic.

"She wasn't really liked. I respected her for her career but she wasn't really nice nor polite, let's be honest.

"At least the good news to come out of all of this is that the anti-doping program is working and that even if you're among the best players you're going to get caught."

Former players Jennifer Capriati and Ashley Harkleroad also publicly said they saw Sharapova’s actions as cheating.

Other WTA players also suggested that Sharapova's previous use of the drug raised serious questions. Ana Ivanovic expressed disappointment that it might "make people doubt such a good career."

Eugenie Bouchard echoed some of Ivanovic’s feelings. "I was very shocked and disappointed,” she said. “As I said before, she was an idol of mine growing up. To think of your childhood idol and wonder if it was a lie, it really affected me a lot.

"We all don't know enough yet. But, you know, to question those things is very disappointing."

Victoria Azarenka did not want to give an opinion herself, but said she understood the reaction. "You know, from the fans' perspective it's tough, because it's—you know, she's been such a great role model for a lot of people. So I think that's very disappointing," she said. "But from the players, a lot of players are upset and disappointed, and I think that's also okay.

“I think it's important that we keep our integrity of the sport. I think tennis has been one of the biggest sports with a really high reputation, and we should keep that way."

Venus Williams was also wary of taking a stance, but hopes Sharapova will not stop playing. "I guess they are [in the process of] finding the facts now," she said.

"What I do know is that in the past she's been very competitive. I think she has been a role model for a lot of people. She has a ton of fans, and I think she's affected a lot of lives in a positive way.”

Sharapova received warmer words from friend Novak Djokovic. "As a friend, you know, I really hope that she will find the best possible way,” said the world No. 1. “I thought she was very courageous and was very human, brave of her, to go out and take the responsibility and say what has happened. She did admit that she made a mistake with her team.

"But certainly if there was a mistake and if she was caught to be positive on the doping for a certain substance, then there should be certain kind of, you know, consequences for that."

Sharapova has been provisionally suspended pending a hearing.