Marin Cilic Suspended Nine Months For Doping Violation, Will Miss Australian Open
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The ITF has suspended Marin Cilic for nine month for ingesting the banned substance nikethamide in May during the tournament in Munich.
An Independent Tribunal found that Cilic inadvertently took the substance through Coramine glucose tablets, and was not trying to enhance his performance, therefore his penalty was reduced.
According to media reports, during the Monte Carlo tournament Cilic sent his mother out to buy him glucose supplements. She returned with a banned substance that Marin, without reading the the label, took and eventually led to a failed doping test in Munich.
Via translation Cilic said he will appeal adding, “I can confirm that the disputed sample originates from glucose tablets that are purchased in pharmacies in France. I had no knowledge that they contain a substance that is prohibited for competition (although it is allowed out of competition). I would very gladly gave more details about the case and I hope that you will understand me that at this moment I can not comment any more until the legal proceedings are pending.
“Finally, I would like to stress that I have never in my life, knowing it was deliberately taken any banned substance. We strongly oppose the use of any stimulants that would help create a better sports results. I am disappointed that at this moment I can not say more about the case, but I’ll do it as soon as the legal process is completed. Then I will answer every question that is asked about this case.”
Cilic’s nine month suspension begins retroactively from May 1 until January 31, 2014.
The 24-year-old hasn’t played since withdrawing from a second round match at Wimbledon in late June. Croatian media reported earlier this summer that Cilic was hoping to have his case tried and resolved in time for the hardcourt events in August.
Cilic is currently ranked No. 24, he was as high as No. 11 this April.
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