Ukrainian world No.29 Dayana Yastremska has been suspended by the International Tennis Federation for a doping violation.
The announcement followed a test that was administered on November 24, 2020 which was sent to the World Anti Doping Agency in Montreal and under evaluation they found mesterolone metabolite which is basically a non specified substance which is prohibited under category S1 of the 2020 WADA prohibited list (Anabolic Agents).
This substance is also prohibited under the programme positive tests for Non-Specified Substances and carries a mandatory Provisional suspension. Yastremska was officially charged on December 22, 2020 with the Anti Doping Rule Violation under article 2.1 of the programme (presence of a prohibited substance in a players sample) was provisionally suspended with effect from January 7th, 2021.
Yastremska has the right to apply to the chair of the independent tribunal to hear her case why she shouldn’t be suspended. However, she has already chosen to exercise that on social media right by publishing a statement denying any wrong doing.
Dear all,
A few days ago I had received a notice from the ITF that I had tested positive for mesterolone metabolite on November 24, 2020.
I firmly state that I have never used any performance enhancing drugs or any prohibited substances.
I am astonished under shock, particularly given the two weeks prior to this test- on 9 November 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.
Only a very low concentration of mesterolone metabolite was detected in my urine. Given that low concentration and given my negative test two week earlier, I have recieved scientific advice that the result is consistent with some form of contamination event. Besides I have been informed that this substance is meant for use as medication by men and that women are advised not to use it due to the adverse effect it causes.
Due to the confidentiality of the proceedings, you will understand that I am not able to share any further information at this stage. However I am currently working with my team and you can be assured that I am resolutely determined to do everything to clear my name.
The 20-year-old has been dubbed as one of the rising stars of the women’s game. A former Wimbledon Girls finalist, she has won three WTA titles and peaked at a ranking high of 21 in January last year.
The development coincides with the tennis season officially kicking off this week with ATP events in Antalya and Delray Beach, while the WTA started their season in Abu Dhabi.
