Doping is a serious issue that can cause significant damage to the reputation of a particular sport. Over the past few months, we have seen renowned athletes like Simona Halep fall prey to the use of banned substances. The recent name to be added to this unfortunate list of disgraced athletes is Fernando Verdasco, the veteran compatriot of Rafael Nadal. He has accepted a two-month ban from the International Tennis Integrity Agency.

The agency found him guilty of inadvertent intoxication for a banned substance. The substance in question is a prescription for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Fernando Verdasco, the compatriot of Rafael Nadal, banned for doping

The ITIA found the Spanish player guilty of using a banned substance, however, acknowledged that it was unintentional. An attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication, methylphenidate was found in a urine sample of the former world no. 7. In February 2022, Rafael Nadal’s compatriot Fernando Verdasco underwent a doping test at an ATP Challenger event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The player accepted that he neglected to renew his Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Moreover, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) granted a new TUE to the 2009 Australian Open semi-finalist.

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Moreover, it stated that such circumstances always lead to a short-term suspension. The term is usually two years. However, he can make a comeback on January 8th.

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Now, a lot of tennis enthusiasts have questioned the move. This is because the duration of the ban aligns with that of the off-season and this will not affect his run on the tour. Fans feel that it is a sanction just in name, as it will not hinder anything else.

What is the status of the Simona Halep’s doping ban? 

The testing agency provisionally suspended the Romanian player for testing positive for a banned substance. Halep declared that she was not aware of it and took it unintentionally. Additionally, her fans and her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, have stood by her and believe that player will come out of this battle victorious. However, no decisive declaration is released yet, and therefore, Halep stays off the court.

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Moreover, Halep stepped away from the 2022 season after she underwent nose surgery. The player faced an unfortunate first-round defeat at the US Open after making a strong comeback in 2022.

What are your thoughts on Halep’s and Verdasco’s bans? Let us know in the comments below.