Maria Sharapova refuses to be drawn into Russia's 'gay propaganda' law

Russian tennis ace Maria Sharapova has reportedly refused to be drawn on Russia's controversial gay propaganda laws, and maintained her former stance that individuals should have the opportunity to share their lives with whom they see fit.

The four-time Grand Slam champion from Russia will return to her roots at the Games in February, working for US broadcaster NBC by bringing a unique insight to Russia's first Winter Games, having lived in Sochi when she was a child.

According to Sport24, however, Sharapova, who won the women's singles silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, did not want to comment on Russia's law banning the dissemination of so-called 'gay propaganda' to minors, saying that she has said everything she wanted to say about it.

In an interview, the Russian ace said that she had gay and lesbian friends and believed individuals should have the opportunity to share their lives with whom they see fit.

Sharapova also said that she believes time will address the current issue, adding that although she is proud of being a Russian, she never said that every individual there is perfect or every law is right.