Post by Salem6 on Jan 9, 2004 1:13:47 GMT
British tennis star Greg Rusedski has tested positive for the banned substance nandrolone.
The British number two confirmed that he had failed a drugs test, but pleaded his innocence.
Rusedski has struggled with injury
"In response to media inquiries, I can confirm that a sample has tested positive for a low level of nandrolone," he said in a statement.
The 30-year-old, who could face a two-year ban if found guilty, will face a hearing in Montreal on 9 February.
"I shall attend and I fully expect to be found innocent. I do not and have not taken performance-enhancing drugs," he added.
The test dates from a tournament he played in the summer in Indianapolis during an injury-plagued season when he competed in only six tournaments.
He has only just returned to tennis after an absence with back, knee and foot injuries.
The Canadian-born player lost the second match of his comeback in Adelaide on Thursday.
Officials from the Association of Tennis Professionals said Rusedski, who is entered for the Australian Open starting in Melbourne on 19 January, was still in Adelaide and was expected to fly to Sydney for next week's adidas International.
An ATP spokesman said Rusedski would be allowed to compete on the tour until his February hearing.
The highpoint of his career was a run to the final of the US Open in 1997 when he lost to Australia's Pat Rafter.
Video:-
Greg Rusedski's statement
"I do not, and have never taken, performance enhancing drugs"news.bbc.co.uk/media/video/39718000/rm/_39718099_greg21_statement_vi.ram
The British number two confirmed that he had failed a drugs test, but pleaded his innocence.
Rusedski has struggled with injury
"In response to media inquiries, I can confirm that a sample has tested positive for a low level of nandrolone," he said in a statement.
The 30-year-old, who could face a two-year ban if found guilty, will face a hearing in Montreal on 9 February.
"I shall attend and I fully expect to be found innocent. I do not and have not taken performance-enhancing drugs," he added.
The test dates from a tournament he played in the summer in Indianapolis during an injury-plagued season when he competed in only six tournaments.
He has only just returned to tennis after an absence with back, knee and foot injuries.
The Canadian-born player lost the second match of his comeback in Adelaide on Thursday.
Officials from the Association of Tennis Professionals said Rusedski, who is entered for the Australian Open starting in Melbourne on 19 January, was still in Adelaide and was expected to fly to Sydney for next week's adidas International.
An ATP spokesman said Rusedski would be allowed to compete on the tour until his February hearing.
The highpoint of his career was a run to the final of the US Open in 1997 when he lost to Australia's Pat Rafter.
Video:-
Greg Rusedski's statement
"I do not, and have never taken, performance enhancing drugs"news.bbc.co.uk/media/video/39718000/rm/_39718099_greg21_statement_vi.ram