American WTA Player’s 4 Year Ban Gets Shortened to 21 Months

Published 02/17/2023, 2:36 PM EST

The Uzbekistani-American tennis player, Varvara Lepchenko previously shocked the entire tennis community when she faced a doping ban for a period of four years. The 36-year-old player was found guilty of using a banned stimulant for which she faced a suspension from the International Tennis Federation.

However, the former top-20 WTA star can now breathe a sigh of relief as her doping ban has been reduced by the tennis authorities. Here’s what you know need to know about the latest controversies surrounding the American tennis player.

Varvara Lepchenko’s suspension gets reduced by the ITF

Article continues below this ad

The former U.S. Olympian previously found herself in hot waters during the Hungarian Grand Prix. During the tournament, Varvara Lepchenko’s urine sample contained traces of a banned stimulant for which she faced a suspension for a period of four years.

Russian Star Maria Sharapova Strolls the Streets of Paris in a Surprise Getaway

The 36-year-old player also appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport based on her later findings. She revealed that she unknowingly consumed that banned substance as the ingredient was not listed on the label of her bottle of capsules. Now a recent decision from the ITF has reduced her ban to 21 months with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s approval on it.

Prior to her provisional doping ban, Lepchenko delivered some incredible performances to win a title in Charleston, South Carolina. Apart from this, the Uzbekistani-born tennis player has also represented the United States at the Olympics. Lepchenko also put on some great displays for the country during the Billie Jean King Cup. Notably, she previously reached the top 20 spots of the WTA ranking during a remarkable season in 2012. In that season, Lepchenko also outclassed some top players to reach the fourth round of the French Open.

Another WTA player previously faced a doping ban

Article continues below this ad

Apart from the American WTA player, the Russian tennis legend, Maria Sharapova also made headlines because of her doping suspension. The 35-year-old had a bitter-sweet tennis journey in which she received a lot of praise along with flak.

A lot of criticism was thrown at the former tennis player when she was suspended by the tennis authorities for consuming a banned performance enhancer, ‘Meldonium’. Though, some fans were also delighted when she made a return from that suspension. Later, she again surprised the tennis community with her decision to put down the tennis racket with 5 singles major titles in her bag.

Watch this story – ‘Why Is His Brother Taking a Video..Sweet Home Alabama?’ – Tennis Fans React Hilariously to Unearthed Novak Djokovic Underwear Photo

Article continues below this ad

What do you think of these doping bans faced by WTA players including Lepchenko? Let us know in the comments section.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Anurag Gusain is a Tennis Author at EssentiallySports. He has completed his Bachelor’s degree in English from Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, Delhi University. Being a huge tennis fan, he enjoys watching superstar Rafael Nadal play.

American WTA Player’s 4 Year Ban Gets Shortened to 21 Months

Varvara Lepchenko’s suspension gets reduced by the ITF

Trending

10 Years After Backing Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Now $10 Billion Undertaking, Snoop Dogg Receives a Heartfelt Note

Serena Williams’ Ex Drake Blasted by Her Husband Alexis Ohanian as He Get Due Revenge After Nasty Humiliation in 2022

Iga Swiatek Bluntly Rejects Aryna Sabalenka’s Acknowledgement as She Adds More to Humiliation After Vile Shade in Madrid

‘I’m Alive Today’ – Jehovah’s Witness Serena Williams Reveals Drastic Hobby Addition That Altered Her Life for Good

Italian Open 2024: Jessica Pegula’s Unfortunate Exit Prompts Partner Coco Gauff to Pick 29-YO WTA Star as Doubles Partner

Another WTA player previously faced a doping ban