Andy Murray has backed the punishment handed to Davis Cup teammate Dan Evans after he was suspended from the tour for a failed drugs test.
On June 23rd Evans held a press conference in which he confirmed that he tested positive for the prohibited substance cocaine. The positive sample was provided on April 24th by Evans during the Barcelona Open. He is now provisionally suspended from the sport until the ITF anti-doping body completes their investigation. In a worst case scenario, the Brit could be banned for up to four years.
Evans spoke with Murray the night before his press conference, but it is unknown what the two discussed or if Evans told him about his failed test before hand. Murray is known for his tough stance against doping in sport and supported Maria Sharapova’s recent suspension. In 2015 he also called for tournaments to redirect some of their prize money into making the anti-doping programme more robust.
Shortly after his first round win at Wimbledon, the world No.1 stated in his press conference that Evans deserves the suspension due to his doping violation.
“The rules are very clear. He broke those rules, and deserves his suspension.” Said Murray.
“However long that’s going to be, I don’t know. But it’s going to be a pretty long, long period, I’d imagine.”
“In what was looking like going to be the best few years of his career, he got himself into a position to play in all the big events. You know, he’s going to have a few years away from the game now. You make your decisions. He’s obviously made a really, really bad one there.”
‘I hope he finds help’
Aljaz Bedene, who defeated Ivo Karlovic in his first round match, said that he hoped the situation would make Evans’ a stronger person. The world No.58 had previously been criticised by Evans, who questioned his status as a British player. Bedene switches allegiance from Slovenia to Britain in 2015.
“I don’t think he really believes he is British either.” The player from Birmingham said in May.
Despite the criticism, Bedene has no hard feelings against Evans. Addressing the suspension, he hopes the 27-year-old will receive help following the failed drugs test.
“I only hope the best will come out of it for Dan because if you take drugs, you obviously are either in a bad environment or you got some not issues.” Said Bedene.
“I’ve never taken any drugs. I don’t know how bad you have to feel to take it. I hope he finds help, and hopefully he comes back.”
Evans’ downfall occurred just four months after he achieved a ranking best of 41st in the world. At the start of the year he reached the final of the Sydney International.
