British player Dan Evans has revelled he has failed a drugs test after testing positive for cocaine in April this year.
The world No.50 confirmed his positive test on Friday afternoon after inviting the media to a last-minute press conference held at a hotel located near the Queen’s Club. The Brit pulled out of playing this week’s tournament after sustaining a calf injury during the Surbiton Challenger a couple weeks ago. Addressing the media, Evans confirmed that he was notified of the positive result ‘a few days ago.’
“I made a mistake and I must face up to it.” Evans said in a statement. “I do not condone for one second to anyone that this was acceptable behaviour. I have let a lot of people down – my family, my coach, my team, sponsors, British tennis and my fans.”
During the brief statement, the Brit insisted that he did not consume the drug for any reason related to tennis.
“It is really important that you know this was taken out of competition and the context completely unrelated to tennis.” He insisted.
Evans’ announcement comes during a season where he achieved a ranking best of 41st in the world. At the start of the year he reached the final of the Sydney International, before losing to Gilles Muller. More recently, he suffered a poor clay-court season after winning only two matches in five tournaments.
In a statement released by the sports anti-doping program, Evans provided the sample on April 24th during the Barcelona Open. He has now been provisionally suspended from the sport until a full investigation is conducted.
“As positive tests for Non-Specified Substances carry a mandatory Provisional Suspension, Mr Evans will be provisionally suspended with effect from 26 June, under Article 8.3.1(c) of the 2017 TADP, pending determination of the case.” The ITF stated.
Evans has declined to answer questions from the media regarding the matter.
How long could Evans be banned for?
It is currently unknown as to how the ITF will punish Evans. Under current guidelines, the maximum sentence he could get is a four-year ban. This is what little-known Spanish player Jose-Manuel Roman-Gomez received in 2015 after testing positive for cocaine. Evans has, however accepted the findings and admitted responsibility, which may work in his favour. In 2008 Martin Hingis received a two-year ban for consumption of the substance. Meanwhile, Richard Gasquet has his cocaine penalty overturned. The successfully Frenchman argued that he inadvertently digested the substance after kissing a girl in a nightclub.
Full statement
This is a very difficult day for me and I wanted to come here in person and tell you face to face I was notified a few days ago that I failed a drugs test in April, where I tested positive for cocaine.
It is really important that you know this was taken out of competition and the context completely unrelated to tennis. I made a mistake and I must face up to it. I do not condone for one second to anyone that this was acceptable behaviour. I have let a lot of people down – my family, my coach, my team, sponsors, British tennis and fans.
I can only deeply apologize from the bottom of my heart. It is a sad and humbling experience. I hope you understand I will not be taking any questions and I thank you for your support of my career to date.
