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Zahlavova Strycova handed doping ban


 

Originally published on: 15/02/13 00:00

The International Tennis Foundation has confirmed that a blood sample provided by the Czech at the Luxembourg Open on October 16, 2012 was found to have contained the stimulant sibutramine.

The 26-year-old claimed she ingested the substance as a result of using a supplement called Acai Berry Thin and the ITF has accepted her explanation.

Zahlavova Strycova’s ban has been backdated to the time of her blood test, meaning she will be ineligible to play until midnight on April 15. She was also stripped of the prize money and ranking points she accrued at the Luxembourg Open.

"Ms Zahlavova Strycova asserted that the sibutramine, for which she did not hold a valid therapeutic use exemption, had got into her system through her ingestion of the supplement Acai Berry Thin,'' an ITF statement said.

"She denied any intent to enhance her performance as a result of taking the Acai Berry Thin."

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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.