ITIA doping ban: Russian youngstar suspended for four years for nandrolone violation

Saturday, 08 November 2025 at 23:30

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the suspension of 20-year-old Russian tennis player Aleksei Mokrov for a total of four years—of which he has already served just over 10 months—after violating the rules of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).

The young Russian player was competing in Futures tournaments during 2024, achieving a career-high ranking of No. 1413. Mokrov was found guilty after testing positive for Nandrolone in a test conducted at the ITF M15 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Although the Russian player challenged the result, arguing that the laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency failed to comply with international standards, an independent tribunal ultimately rejected his claim.

"The independent tribunal determined it was 'entirely unpersuaded' by Mokrov’s argument, and that the player failed 'by some margin' to prove the assertion," the ITIA statement reads. "The tribunal also noted that Mokrov made no attempt to explain the source of the positive test. As such, the player did not prove that the breach was unintentional."

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"The sample was split into A and B samples and the subsequent analysis found that both samples contained metabolites of Nandrolone, which is prohibited under the TADP, in the category of Anabolic Agents (section S 1.1 of the 2024 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List)."

Since the substance was non-specified, Mokrov received a mandatory provisional suspension from January 27, 2025, until the final resolution. Following a remote hearing on October 16, 2025, the tribunal imposed a definitive four-year suspension, which will end on January 26, 2029. Furthermore, Mokrov forfeited results, points, and prize money from the tournament where he tested positive and all subsequent events up to the provisional suspension.

The suspension not only prevents him from competing in official tournaments but also prohibits him from training or attending events sanctioned by the ITIA, its members, or national federations. This includes the ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA, Wimbledon, Australian Open, etc.

Nandrolone links Petr Korda and Tara Moore doping bans

Nandrolone is an anabolic androgenic steroid that is found naturally in small quantities in the human body. Its positive effects include muscle growth, appetite stimulation, and increased production of red blood cells and bone density.

The most controversial case involving Nandrolone consumption in tennis is that of former Australian Open champion Petr Korda—father of Sebastian Korda. The former Czech player tested positive for Nandrolone in his urine analysis during Wimbledon 1998—a tournament where he reached the quarter-finals. He received a two-year ban, which the federation later reduced by half, but Korda retired from the sport, refusing to accept the accusations.

More recently, the controversial case of Tara Moore—who also received a four-year suspension—involved contamination by Nandrolone (in addition to Boldenone, another anabolic steroid).

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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