Former world No. 55 Facundo Bagnis has received a 12-month suspension under tennis’ anti-doping rules after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) concluded its investigation into his positive test during the 2025 US Open qualifying.
The Argentine player tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a prohibited diuretic and masking agent, after providing a sample on August 18 during the New York Grand Slam. However, after reviewing Bagnis’ evidence, the ITIA accepted that the violation was not intentional and determined that the substance came from a contaminated supplement.
Bagnis had initially entered a voluntary provisional suspension in October 2025 while the investigation was ongoing. The 36-year-old later informed the ITIA that a bespoke supplement produced by a pharmacy in Argentina was the likely source of the prohibited substance found in his sample.
The final decision means Bagnis will serve a 12-month suspension, with the time already spent under provisional suspension credited. His ban will officially end on October 17, 2026, allowing him to return to competition later this season.
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ITIA confirms contaminated supplement was possible source of positive test
The positive test occurred during the US Open qualifying tournament, where Bagnis lost in the first round to Australia’s James Duckworth 6-4, 6-2. The sample was divided into A and B portions, with both analyses confirming the presence of hydrochlorothiazide.
According to the ITIA report, the substance is classified under the “Diuretics and Masking Agents” category of the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. The agency noted that Bagnis did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the substance, meaning an anti-doping violation had been committed under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.
However, Bagnis maintained that he had never knowingly used a prohibited substance and argued that the positive test resulted from contamination in a vitamin supplement prescribed for medical reasons.
“The Player accepted that he had committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and asserted that his positive test derived from cross-contamination by a compound pharmacy in Argentina,” the ITIA stated in its decision.
To support his explanation, Bagnis provided detailed documentation, including medical records, purchase receipts, communication with his doctor and independent expert reports. The ITIA later tested the supplement at a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory.
The investigation confirmed that the product contained hydrochlorothiazide and that Bagnis’ explanation was possible. As a result, the ITIA accepted that the violation was not intentional.
Former top-60 player avoids longer suspension after mitigating factors considered
Because hydrochlorothiazide is classified as a specified substance, Bagnis was not automatically required to accept a provisional suspension. However, the Argentine chose to voluntarily step away from competition on October 18, 2025 while his case was reviewed.
The ITIA considered the evidence provided by Bagnis and previous cases involving similar circumstances before determining the final sanction. “In determining sanction, the mitigating factors demonstrated by Bagnis and precedent from similar cases was considered,” the agency explained.
Bagnis accepted the proposed consequences and waived his right to a hearing before an independent tribunal, bringing an end to a case that began almost a year earlier.
The Argentine, who reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 55 in November 2016, has enjoyed a long career highlighted by 17 Challenger titles and two ATP finals, including Córdoba 2024, where he finished runner-up to Luciano Darderi.
At the time of his positive test, Bagnis was ranked No. 401 in the ATP Rankings and was attempting to continue his professional career after more than a decade competing at the highest levels of the sport. His suspension will keep him away from official tennis events until October, when he will be eligible to return after completing the 12-month sanction.
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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