Two tennis stars suspended after positive drug tests as ITIA statement issued

The International Tennis Integrity Agency has confirmed that two players have been provisionally suspended after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol. Karlis Ozolins of Latvia and Daniil Kakhniuk of the USA both provided samples during an ITF World Tennis Tour event in San Jose, Costa Rica, on February 17.

These samples both contained metabolites of clostebol, an anabolic agent which is banned by WADA and in the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. It is classed as a non-Specified substance and considered a performance-enhancing substance.

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The ITIA has confirmed that, “because of the nature of the substance, a provisional suspension is mandatory.” Ozolins and Kakhniuk have both been provisionally suspended since April 14. They have the right to appeal their suspensions, but neither man has done so.

The anti-doping programme outlines: “Where a Notice is issued to a Player based on an Adverse Analytical Finding or Adverse Passport Finding for a Prohibited Substance that is not a Specified Substance or for Use of a Prohibited Method that is not a Specified Method, then (subject only to Article 7.12.3) a Provisional Suspension will come into effect automatically on the date specified by the ITIA in the Notice or in further correspondence up to and including the Charge Letter.”

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Ozolins, 23, has a career-high singles ranking of No. 618, and a career-high doubles ranking of No. 546. The Latvian has not played a match since March, when he won the M15 Maanshan ITF event. He also reached the semi-finals of the M25 tournament San Jose, where he provided the sample.

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Kakhniuk, who reached a career-high of No. 1112 in the world this year, last played an the ITF M25 event in Las Vegas in March, qualifying and losing in the second round. The 23-year-old also lost in the second round of the San Jose tournament.

Announcing provisional suspensions for both men, the ITIA confirmed that support would be available to Ozolins and Kakhniuk, in line with the anti-doping programme.

“As with all Tennis Anti-Doping Programme cases, ITIA support is available to both players, including pro-bono legal aid, independent wellbeing support, and financial assistance to investigate the source of positive findings,” the organisation said.

While serving their provisional suspensions, neither Ozolins nor Kakhniuk are eligible to play in, coach at, or attend any tennis tournaments organised or sanctioned by the ATP, WTA, ITF, the four Grand Slams, or any national association.

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