Yastremska fails drugs test and could miss Melbourne

WTA world No. 29 Dayana Yastremska has been given a provisional suspension by the ITF following a routine out of competition urine sample taken in November 2020

The sample contained evidence of the banned substance mesterolone , which is a synthetic form of testosterone

As it stands, this means the Ukranian cannot compete in the 2021 Australian Open due to start on 8 February, although she has a right of appeal.

The 20-year-old has protested the ruling and has vowed to clear her name, saying the low concentration was consistent with contamination, rather than doping.

“I confidently declare that I have never taken any stimulant drugs or prohibited substances,” Yastremska wrote on her social media account.

Yastremska added “I am astonished and in shock, particularly given that two weeks prior to this test – on November 9, 2020 – I tested negative at the WTA event in Linz.

“After this last tournament of the year, I stopped practicing to rest prior to the start of the new season.

Roger Parker

Recent Posts

Draper dominates Rune to claim Masters trophy

Jack Draper fell to his knees on the hardcourt after completing a 6-2, 6-2 demolition…

2 hours ago

Finalist Rune returns to the spotlight in IW

Holger Rune made a return to the conversation on Saturday as the Dane secured a…

4 hours ago

Andreeva arrives among the elite with IW title win

Mirra Andreeva stunned world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday, winning her second…

4 hours ago

Draper devours semi-final bagel to finally school Alcaraz

Jack Draper will crack the ATP top 10 for the first time after the Brit defeated two-time…

24 hours ago

Swiatek breaks the speed limit in rapid-fire win

Iga Swiatek switched to warp speed after rain delayed her fourth-round match by an hour,…

5 days ago

Alcaraz hits 14 in a row at Indian Wells

Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz ran his hot streak at the Indian Wells Masters to 14…

6 days ago