Dayana Yastremska provisionally suspended after failing doping test

World number 29, Dayana Yastremska has been provisionally suspended after failing to pass the doping test.

Former world number 21, and one of the biggest talents of women's tennis, Dayana Yastremska won't be seen on the tennis courts for quite some time. A prohibited substance, mesterolone metabolite was found in her urine sample from the 24th November 2020.

Quickly after the official statement of her suspension, Yastremska released also a personal statement in which she claims to be innocent.

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You can read the official statement, and Yastremska's statement below:

"Dayana Yastremska has been provisionally suspended under Article 8.3.1(c) of the 2020 Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (the "Programme"), pending determination of the charge against her at a full hearing pursuant to Article 8 of the Programme.

Ms. Yastremska, a 20-year-old player from Ukraine, provided an Out-of-Competition urine sample on 24 November 2020. That sample was sent to the World Anti-Doping Agency ("WADA") accredited laboratory in Montreal, Canada for analysis, and was found to contain mesterolone metabolite. Mesterolone is a Non-Specified substance, which is prohibited under category 51 of the 2020 WADA Prohibited List (Anabolic Agents), and therefore is also prohibited under the Programme. Positive tests for Non-Specified Substances carry a mandatory Provisional Suspension.

On 22 December 2020, Ms. Yastremska was charged with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under Article 2.1 of the Programme (presence of a Prohibited Substance in a Player's Sample) and was Provisionally Suspended with effect from 7 January 2021. Ms. Yastremska had (and retains) the right to apply to the Chair of the Independent Tribunal convened to hear her case why the Provisional Suspension should not be imposed, but has chosen not to exercise that right to date."

Yastremska's statement reads:

"Dear all,

A few days ago, I have received a notice from the ITF that I was tested positive for mesterolone metabolite on 24 November 2020.

I firmly state that I have never used any performance enhancing drugs or any prohibited substances.

I am astonished and under shock, particularly given that two weeks prior to this test — on 9 November 2020 —I tested negative at the WTA event in Linz. After this last tournament of the year, I stopped practicing to rest prior to the start of the new season.

Only a very low concentration of mesterolone metabolite was detected in my urine. Given that low concentration and given my negative test two weeks earlier, I have received scientific advice that the result is consistent with some form of contamination event. Besides, I have been informed that this substance is meant for use as medication by men and that women are advised not to use it due to the adverse effects it causes.

Due to the confidentiality of the proceedings, you will understand that I am not able to share any further information at this stage. However, I am currently working with my team and you can be assured that I am resolutely determined to do everything to clear my name."