World No.98 Sara Errani has insisted that she is not a drugs cheat following her two-month suspension by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
On Monday it was confirmed that the former French Open finalist is suspended from competition until October 2nd after testing positive for the banned substance letrozole. Errani was handed a light sentence after an independent tribunal accepted that she inadvertently digested the substance. It is claimed that the substance entered Errani’s body after her mum accidentally cross contaminated the drug with food. Errani’s mum is currently taking the anti-cancer drug.
“Letrozole does not have doping effects,” Errani told reporters on Wednesday. “I’ve been hit by so many lies. I’ve read things that go from the ridiculous to the absurd. I have never taken a doping substance.”
The world anti-doping agency (WADA) lists Letrozole as a prohibited substance because it can used as a masking agent. Masking agents are used to hide or prevent the detection of banned substances in a person’s body.
Despite the lenient sentence given to the 31-year-old, Errani has said that the situation has damaged her reputation. During her career, she has won 25 doubles and nine singles titles on the WTA Tour.
“The (International Tennis Federation) ITF sentence says that there is no evidence that this substance improves the performance of elite tennis players. But my reputation has been destroyed by this care”
Feeling unjust on her suspension, the Italian is maintaining a tough approach to those found guilty of doping. Calling for the enforcement of life bans.
“I have always been a champion of clean sport, and I remain convinced that those who are doping voluntarily should be disqualified for life.” She said.
‘Guilty of nothing’
Errani has also spoken about the abuse she has received on social media. It is reported by her that some have joked about her mother’s illness. Fluvia Errani has been battling against Cancer since 2005 and has undergone two operations to treat the illness. Explaining why she was taking a drug containing Letrozole.
“You have played with people’s feelings, you have been joking about my mother’s illness, you have kept a shameful behaviour, inflaming my reputation. But I can sleep quietly because I am not guilty of nothing.” A defiant Errani stated.
Some have questioned her decision to continued playing on the tour after being notified of a failed drugs test. At the Italian Open Errani received a wild card instead of former grand slam champion Francesca Schiavone. A highly controversial decision considering Sciavone is set to retire later this year.
“Along with the notification, ITF sent a letter specifying that it is in the discretion of the athlete to continue to play or self-stop. I decided to continue because I was absolutely certain that I had not done anything wrong.” The world No.98 explained.
When Maria Sharapova returning to the tour from a doping ban, some players spoke negatively about her return to the tour. Errani could experience the same, although she doesn’t appear to be too concerned by it.
“I will not care how I’m greeted, the real friends have already made me feel (supported).” She insisted.
As a consequence of her violation, Errani will lose all her points earned between 16 February 2017 and 7 June 2017.
