Reuters
General view of the closed roof on Philippe-Chatrier court during the match between Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Russia’s Karen Khachanov REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Reuters
General view of the closed roof on Philippe-Chatrier court during the match between Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Russia’s Karen Khachanov REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
American tennis player, Ashley Kratzer, will face a 4 year ban after she failed a crucial drug test. She was found positive with GHRP – 6 – which is known to enhance growth hormone release and does not contain any opioid activity. Although, the 21 years old claims that she is innocent.
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In the Kunming Open held in Anning (China) last year, the American collaborated with a local Chinese tennis trainer, who, according to Kratzer, provided her with an unlabelled “cream” bottle to repair her blisters.
The cream worked wonders for her and as a result; she brought it with her to the United States. The following year, in the 2020 Oracle Challenger Series, she was found positive and was charged with the provisional ban by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
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Why did the American Tennis player need a Local Coach?
The 2019 Kunming Open took place in April 2019 and Kratzer reached Anning a few days earlier. Due to the unavailability of her own trainer, she had travelled to China without a coach. Hence, the American searched for a local Chinese trainer so that she could be ready for her tournament.
After seeking help from the hotel she stayed in, a local Chinese professional trainer stepped in for help. However, their communication was bleak due to the obvious language barrier. The Chinese then approached with the aforementioned drug as a solution for her blisters.
It’s the responsibility of every professional player to verify any medication they consume. Ashley Kratzer failed to do so and now faces the dreadful consequences.
21 yo former #200 Ashley Kratzer was banned for 4 years today after testing positive for GHRP-6. The story she told the tribunal is mad. She says a random local trainer during a Chinese ITF event gave her a bottle of cream and she just used it without ever wondering what it was. pic.twitter.com/Lg8Ql41Ute
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) October 29, 2020
What is next for Ashley Kratzer in Tennis?
Her young age is certainly an asset for Kratzer. However, losing four years out of her career will be a major setback for the American, something that only a few can return from. Although, she can challenge the judgement and hope to find a different answer.
In history, many tennis players have faced a similar predicament. These include Andre Agassi, Richard Gasquet, Marin Cilic, Maria Sharapova and many more. Ashley Kratzer, if the decision stays, will return by March in 2024.
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