Roger Federer: Tennis Needs More Drug Testing

Of course every player has to be tough with drug testing. There is no other way, Federer is right.

First report: But Federer took a tougher line on Thursday, saying: “I do believe that when you are requested for a sample, you have to give the sample. It doesn’t matter how bad you feel. I’m sorry.
“A test the next day for me is not a test anymore because of what could have happened overnight.
“I think it’s just very important to give the sample when you’re requested to give it because there you are in front of them and there is no way to escape anymore. That’s where we just need to be extremely firm, I believe.”

Federer’s position chimes with that of Andy Murray, who said on Wednesday night: “Read and respect the rules and everything is very simple.”

Second report:
“It doesn’t matter how bad you feel,” added Federer. “I’m sorry. The test the next day for me is not a test any more because what could have happened overnight?

“It’s just very important to give the sample when you’re requested to give it because there you are in front of them and there is no way to escape any more.

“That’s where we just need to be extremely firm, I believe.”

Asked about the same subject on Wednesday, world number one Rafael Nadal said: “We can like or not bad rules, but we have rules.

“I am very sorry for Viktor because I believe 100% in him. Probably the doctor made the mistake. But [Troicki] knows he has to pass the doping.”

Andy Murray, the world number four, is thought to have been referring to the case on Wednesday evening on Twitter when he wrote: “Read and respect the rules and everything is very simple.”

“Federer’s words will be welcomed by those involved in the fight against drugs, but a number of players are anxious about becoming the victim of a miscarriage of justice – and that should be of concern to the sport.

“The doping control officer in the Troicki case has been unfairly vilified in some quarters, as two independent panels have come to the conclusion that she did inform the Serb of the consequences of missing a test. She should, however, have been more persuasive, so it’s encouraging to hear that from next season there will be an extra layer of protection. From January, any player who finds him or herself in Troicki’s position will be given the opportunity to speak to the supervisor or the tournament referee.

The bottom line, though, is that we should not be making excuses for players who think it’s ever permissible to skip a test. they may be paying for the sins of previous generations, in different sports, but a rigid drug testing programme is the only way for them to prove that.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/24858647

November 8th, 2013 at 1:15 pm

I agree with all of the above, and I was especially glad that Roger addressed the issue of a player being condemned for abusing drugs when they’ve never tested positive. That has to hurt because other than the testing they’re doing there simply is no recourse. Everyone knows that
Rafa is the biggest target for this kind of abuse, but even Roger has not been immune. I wish the top five players would address this issue together. There will always be punks who will accuse regardless, but there may be some who will be willing to give up the slander.

November 8th, 2013 at 2:55 pm

“Andy Murray, who said on Wednesday night: “Read and respect the rules and everything is very simple.”

Should be, no?
Preach it Andy!!

November 8th, 2013 at 3:15 pm

Preach it Andy, hope you don’t become a victim again:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/tennis/4763834/Andy-Murray-sends-Roger-Federer-into-f-word-rant-with-epic-semi-final-victory.html

November 8th, 2013 at 3:23 pm

^what does that have to do with the subject? Childish.
#vamosheadsatlarge

November 8th, 2013 at 3:45 pm

Only you Skeezer would equate a time warning or coaching call with a drug violation. You must be a bundle of fun to live with. “Here’s a twelve pack kids but be sure to be home by 11:00.”

November 8th, 2013 at 6:04 pm

Anna,
Loved it! Not true, but good one nonetheless lol ;).

Try look at your compatriots post (3:23), now that has nithing to do with the topic. I took Andys quote on the subject, and told him to preach it.

November 8th, 2013 at 6:19 pm

read:
http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2013/11/murray-troicki-cilic-offenses-unprofessional/49738/#.Un1xUXCmGwQ

November 8th, 2013 at 6:28 pm

Some more fun for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZB9JfhzLzE

November 8th, 2013 at 6:36 pm

Frauderer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPBwjZwpOKw

November 8th, 2013 at 6:39 pm

@Slice Tennis ^^

Wow, Roger did act like a little brat in that clip.
I watched that match but had forgot about that tirade he had…..funny, thanks for reminding me. All these wonderful tennis players can each have their moments….but that’s what makes this sport fun.

Vamos Rafa!!!

November 9th, 2013 at 12:02 am

This is why he is called the arrogant one, no???
But, he does have a beautiful game to watch…..sometimes I cheer for him…….as long as is not playing RAFAEL NADAL!!

November 9th, 2013 at 12:09 am

Anna,

Seriously! READ what Skeezer said!

Slice tennis. I will report you to sean now for seriously clogging up the site with stuff that has nothing to do with what he is writing about here. You are here to just cause trouble. Everywhere you look you slam Federer “oopss”..you 17 slam federer! Get a grip man!

Anna, this is how was started. Understand you could have misread. Easy to do when reading late at night.

Slice Tennis Says:
Preach it Andy, hope you don’t become a victim again:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/tennis/4763834/Andy-Murray-sends-Roger-Federer-into-f-word-rant-with-epic-semi-final-victory.html

November 8th, 2013 at 3:23 pm

Skeezer just responded, that was all.

Say something honest and proper ST, like on court coaching fines, like time wasting, but address it in a proper way and on the RIGHT thread!

November 9th, 2013 at 4:15 am

Diversary tactics from the vamosheads and rafafanatics, same ole same ole. What a bunch of blog litter.

Can’t handle the subject matter? Don’t feel the game needs more drug testing? ROLF.
Whats a matter, feel guilty? Sniff sniff…..get yourselves some tissue, I am sure a Mommy has some.
In the meantime, try to have an opinion on the matter and share it, nobody is stopping you.

Shaammoon!

November 9th, 2013 at 4:40 pm

Everytime when a player face a drug test the official should read the rules to a player whose sample will be taken, and he should sign that he is been informed about his obligations and the sanctions if he is not obeying them. That is the solution to Troicki problem.

November 9th, 2013 at 5:13 pm

Start with a certain left-handed Spaniard. Blood test him everyday, in and out of competition.

November 9th, 2013 at 9:54 pm

seth, you are a big idiot like Pronin

November 10th, 2013 at 12:03 am

^awww.. There’s the answer, call seth a name…lol
#child

November 10th, 2013 at 12:41 am

Better late than never but here is a great article on the problem with tennis and testing and the fact that the tennis estabishment is a little too cozy…

“And here is a clue to tennis’s problem: it is too much of a cosy family. As in golf, there is a lingering assumption that the players are upstanding individuals who wouldn’t dirty their hands with steroids, EPO or human growth hormone.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/10453488/Novak-Djokovics-comments-in-wake-of-Viktor-Troicki-ban-prove-that-the-tennis-family-is-too-dysfunctional.html

Disappointed with Nole and even Rafa’s response. Fed and Andy got it right.

November 20th, 2013 at 10:15 am

^Agreed.

November 20th, 2013 at 11:30 am

^Agreed

November 20th, 2013 at 12:37 pm