WIMBLEDON star Mikael Ymer has been hit with an 18-month ban over a doping violation.
Ymer is alleged to have missed three out of competition tests in a 12-month period.
APMikael Ymer is alleged to have missed three out of competition drug tests[/caption]
He denies the allegations and was initially successful in fighting the charge when the case was brought to an independent tribunal of three arbitrators.
But the International Tennis Federation appealed that decision and the Court of Arbitration for Sports has now suspended Ymer from playing professional tennis for 18 months.
Ymer released a statement on Twitter which reads: “In January 2022, the ITF charged me with a potential anti-doping rule violation for having 3 missed out of competition test attempts in a 12-month period.
“I fought that charge at a hearing, and was cleared by an independent tribunal of 3 arbitrators in June of 2022.
“The ITF appealed that decision despite the fact that the 3 independent arbitrators who cleared me were appointed under its own rules, and asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to reach a different decision on the same facts under which I had already been cleared.
“Yesterday, I learned that the Court of Arbitration for Sports has suspended me from professional tennis for 18 months, despite never having used nor been accused of using banned substances.
“Having already been cleared once, and wholeheartedly standing by the fact that I do not feel that the 3rd offence was committed, I find their decision to try me again and subsequently find me guilty, unfair.
“On top of that, I find it difficult to comprehend that they found an 18 month suspension to be a just punishment.
“I understand that these rules have been put in place to protect the integrity of our sport, and that they are there for a reason. However, I do not believe I broke those rules, and my conscience is clear with God as my witness.”
Ymer, 24, shocked Taylor Fritz in the second round of Wimbledon with an astonishing comeback victory, defeating the American 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in a five-set thriller.
The Swede is now ranked 51st in the world following his SW19 heroics, but he will slip down the rankings if he is unable to play.