Auckland Classic drawcard banned for doping violations - reports

6 Nov 2009

The fast-improving Wickmayer was last week confirmed for the $US220,000 ($NZ309,500) ASB Classic from January 4-9, joining world No 15 Li Na.

A semifinalist at this year's US Open, Wickmayer was banned on Thursday for failing to comply with doping regulations, a report on the Belgium Tennis Federation's website said.

She was suspended by the Flemish Doping Tribunal (VDT) after falling foul of the "whereabouts rule", which states that players must notify their national doping agency of where they can be reached on a daily basis.

ASB Classic director Brenda Perry told NZPA today that she had yet to receive any official notification of the ban.

"I've spoken to her agent, I've spoken to the WTA Tour. The Tour hasn't received anything official in writing from Wada (World Anti-Doping Agency) and until that happens, everything's on hold," Perry said.

"As soon as I hear, I'll be getting into action but until then I'm just thinking about it."

Perry said she expected to hear within 24 hours.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF), responsible for doping controls in tennis, said it had not been informed of the suspensions and the WTA Tour said it was also unable to comment.

Wada, whose doping code was signed by the ITF in 2004, said in a statement it had yet to be informed of the suspension.

Wickmayer, 20, has been a big improver this year, after beginning the season ranked 71st in the world.

She has claimed two WTA Tour titles and also reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open in September where she bowed out to Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki.

The 1.82m Wickmayer this season has won at Linz and Estoril, and reached the final at s'Hertogenbosch as well as the semifinals at Nottingham and quarterfinals at Birmingham.

NZPA

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