The anti-doping in tennis: a little clarity

Since 1995 there have been 63 cases of doping in tennis. The top players are tested on average much more than all other players. In an interview with "The Tennis Space," Dr. Stuart Miller, head of the Department of Science and Technology ITF that performs most of the tests, clarified some issues.

"At any time, a player may have to undergo a drugs test by three different organizations: the anti-doping program of the ITF, WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) and the anti-doping agency in the country where the player is at that time. In addition, in the Olympic year, the International Olympic Committee can do tests on players from the moment you open the Olympic Village to the closing ceremony of the Olympics. "

"The only numbers that are in the statistics relate to samples taken from players. There are things that are not written in the statistics. Athletes must indicate the place where it is and the window of time during which they agree to tests. Most people think that's what happens with the test but it is not necessarily so. If you absolutely must take a sample, just in that one-hour window you have the best chance to succeed. Under no circumstances players are warned that you are going to do a test on them. Things that are not in the statistics are essentially two: the first attempts were made to test during the window that have not been successful, both due to the unavailability of the athlete or for administrative reasons, the second are attempts to tests carried out by the window, which are not shown regardless of the outcome. However these attempts are not considered as a pre-test failed. Remember that if an athlete misses three tests in 18 months they may be disqualified. "

"The time window can be chosen from 6 am to 11 pm. Most players choose to be tested immediately, at 6 am. As a rule I can say that you do not make test between 11 pm and 6 am in the morning but if you have credible information that an athlete can use the time slot for dope then there is nothing that can stop you to test it., but these cases are very rare. "

"With regard to the suspension of Dr. Luis Garcia del Moral and the fact that Sara Errani has worked with him, I can say that having had to deal with a person suspended is not an infringement. There is a proposal to amend the Code of WADA in this regard, but at this time it is not an offense. It was widely reported that in the case of Errani she said not to have more links with Luis Garcia del Moral and she had spoken to the ITF, this does not constitute a secret. "

"The rules are very clear: a player is subject to anti-doping program every time you participate in an event covered by the program or earn a point in the rankings in a calendar year. So a player was not collected that does not participate in events covered by the program and let her ranking drop to no more points is no longer subject to anti-doping program. Another way to be out of the program if you have no points in the ranking is officially declare your withdrawal/retirement (as Kim Clijsters). In this way you are not subject to the program but you can not participate in professional tennis events if you do not communicate with them at least three months in advance."