Belgian tennis stars banned

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:55

The Flemish Regional Tribunal said US Open semi-finalist Wickmayer had failed to declare her whereabouts on three occasions, a requirement under World Anti-Doping Agency standards, while Malisse had failed to do so twice and had also missed a test when he was unavailable for testing at an address he had provided.

The bans take immediate effect, meaning world number 18 Wickmayer must pull out of this week’s Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions in Bali, while Malisse has withdrawn from the AXA Masters in Antwerp.

Malisse, 29, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2002, has recently returned to the world’s top 100 after a slump in form.

Wickmayer, 20, has announced her intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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By Tim Farthing

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.