ITIA issues strict warning after Verdasco ADHD doping case about misuse

The ITIA has issued a strict warning to players after the situation with Fernando Verdasco's short ban created conversations about abusing the rules in place.

Fernando Verdasco's doping case created a lot of controversy in the tennis community with some players stepping in and calling it legal doping. Reilly Opelka was one that spoke up about the situation as Verdasco was taking drugs for ADHD. Verdasco was diagnosed with the condition as has a prescription for it but he forgot to apply for an exemption for it which resulted in the ban.

Due to the drug improving concentration and focus some consider it legal doping although the ITIA rulebook permits use upon the advice of a physician such as in Verdasco's case. They did issue a stern warning to players who were looking to bypass those rules in hopes of gaining a competitive advantage through the drug.

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The statement read:

"Players should note that there is a high threshold for granting applications for the use of ADHD medication. This means that it cannot be assumed that a TUE will be granted. However, those who have received a genuine and thorough clinical diagnosis of ADHD…may be granted a TUE. Most TUEs have an expiry date and it is a player’s sole responsibility to ensure that their TUE is renewed in advance of the expiry date"

All players of the ATP and WTA got letters with the warning.

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