The former professional confessed to blood doping, among other things, and has now been banned for four years
Former professional tennis player Marinko Matosevic has been banned for four years for violating the anti-doping rules. This was announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The former world number 39, who now works as a coach, initially denied all allegations, but then admitted to blood doping. An independent arbitration tribunal found five offenses committed by the Australian between 2018 and 2020.
These included “the use of a prohibited method by blood doping and assisting another player in blood doping”. Matosevic also “gave advice to others on how to avoid testing positive” and “used and possessed the prohibited substance clenbuterol”. Clenbuterol, a drug used to treat asthma and other breathing problems, is sometimes abused by bodybuilders and athletes as an unauthorized performance enhancer.
Matosevic, who played in all four Grand Slam tournaments during his active career from 2003 to 2018, is banned from all ITIA-authorized tennis events and activities, such as ATP and WTA tournaments, until 2030.
The 40-year-old is therefore also prohibited from coaching or working with players. So far, he has coached the Australians Chris O’Connell (ATP-130th) and Jordan Thompson (ATP-121st). There are no indications that the two professionals have also violated the anti-doping rules.
