The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has provisionally suspended Sara Errani from the sport following earlier reports of a failed drugs test.
In a formal report, it has been confirmed that the former world No.5 will be banned from competition for two months, commencing August 3rd. Errani’s urine sample tested positive for letrozole, a drug commonly used to treat cancer.
The urine sample was taken on February 17th whilst Errani was staying at her parents home. A month later an adverse finding was reported to the ITF and a further test on May 2nd found that 65 ng/ml of letrozole was detected. Errani was notified about the failed test almost four months ago on April 18th.
According to the report, Errani admitted to the presence of the prohibited drug in her system, but disputed how it was consumed. At a hearing on July 19th, her mother, Fulvia, gave evidence to the hearing. During which she said that she was the one taking the drug. Fulvia has been battling cancer since 2005 and takes femara (a brand name for letrozole) to stop the disease returning.
“The Femara (letrozole) is kept on the side of the worktop in the kitchen along with documents, household bills and other household items. Mrs Errani explained that she kept the femara there because she had to take one pill every day and at times she forgot to take it.” The hearing reports.
Errani claimed that she digested the drug after her mum inadvertently cross-contaminated it with food she was preparing. At the time she was unaware that Fluvia was taking femara. Her mother also previously mentioned that she would occasionally drop tablets on the work surface and the floor by accident. Explaining how the cross-contamination could have occurred.
“In her evidence Mrs Errani recognised the risk that she created by keeping and dispensing Femara on the worktop when even preparing food. Her evidence, and that of the Player, when taken together the Tribunal finds compelling.”
During the investigation, both parents of the 31-year-old conducted ‘an experiment’ into the situation. They claimed that Femara dissolves in the meat mixture used for tortellini, even at room temperature. The food was what Errani was eating at the time of the failed test. The ITF ruled 50/50 over this claim as it was not conducted in ‘laboratory conditions.’
In the wake of the evidence, the tribunal found that Errani has made a ‘light degree’ of fault in the positive test. Accepting the case presented to them, the Italian will only be suspended for two months. The maximum sentence for this violation is two-years if an athlete if found deliberately consuming the drug.
“The Tribunal takes into account the circumstances involved in this case and that the Player has not only an unblemished record but has demonstrated, through her evidence which we accept, having been otherwise meticulous in taking precautions to ensure that she acted in compliance with the TADP. As a result of the findings that the Tribunal has made it concludes that the degree of fault is at the lowest end of the scale. The Period of Ineligibility in this case will be 2 months.” The ITF concluded.
Errani’s response
Maintaining her innocence, Errani has expressed frustration in her suspension. In a lengthy letter posted on social media, she highlighted the dangers of taking the drug unnecessarily. She has also pointed out that there is no evidence proving that Letrozole enhances a player’s performance.
“I am very frustrated, but I can only stand still and wait for this period to finish.” She said. “I am extremely disappointed but – at the same time – at peace with my conscience and aware I haven’t done anything wrong, neither have I committed any negligence against (the) anti-doping programme.”
Errani’s results between between 16 February 2017 and 7 June 2017 will now be disqualified. Anything after that date will be allowed after a recent drugs test was negative. She will be allowed to return to competition on October 2nd.
