Month: May 2016

Belarusian tennis player escapes ban despite positive meldonium test

Belarusian tennis player Sergey Betov has escaped punishment despite testing positive for meldonium, the same substance which has brought a halt to the career of superstar Maria Sharapova. Betov, 28, failed a drugs test at the Australian Open where he had been playing doubles. In their notice, WADA also stated that if an anti-doping organisation found that an athlete could not reasonably have known or suspected that meldonium would still be present on or after January 1, 2016, then a finding of no fault or negligence may be made.

Tennis – Serena pulls out of Madrid Open with flu

– World number one Serena Williams has pulled out of the Madrid Open, which begins this weekend, with flu, organisers announced. “Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from Madrid because I’ve been battling the flu and I’m not at 100 percent. The 21-time Grand Slam champion, 34, is a two-time winner in Madrid having triumphed in the Spanish capital in 2012 and 2013.

Roger Federer signs up for Madrid Masters

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will continue his preparation for the French Open next month by taking part in the Madrid Masters next week, tournament officials confirmed on Thursday. “The Madrid Open can count upon the presence of Roger Federer,” said a statement on the tournament’s website. “Federer is one of the best tennis players in history and Madrid is a special place for him,” said tournament director Manolo Santana.

Tennis – Federer signs up for Madrid Masters

– Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will continue his preparation for the French Open next month by taking part in the Madrid Masters next week, tournament officials confirmed on Thursday. “The Madrid Open can count upon the presence of Roger Federer,” said a statement on the tournament’s website. “Federer is one of the best tennis players in history and Madrid is a special place for him,” said tournament director Manolo Santana.