- Thomaz Bellucci was given a five-month back-dated doping suspension
- But the Brazilian was considered not guilty of any ‘significant fault or negligence’
- Bellucci can start playing again from February 1, so will miss the Australian Open
Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci was given a five-month back-dated doping suspension but was considered not guilty of any ‘significant fault or negligence,’ the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme said on Thursday.
Bellucci, who reached a career-high 21st in the world rankings in 2010 but has fallen to 112th, provided a urine sample at last July’s Swedish Open that contained hydrochlorothiazide, which can mask other substances.
The 30-year-old Brazilian, who said the positive test was the result of a contaminated vitamin supplement, refused to accept a voluntary provisional suspension and so was free to compete pending resolution of his case.
Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci was given a five-month back-dated doping suspension on Thursday
The Tennis Anti-Doping Programme said in a statement it accepted Bellucci’s account of how the banned substance got in his system.
It also said that his period of ineligibility was backdated due to the player’s prompt admission and for delays not attributable to him.
Bellucci can start competing again from February 1, meaning he will miss the January 15-28 Australian Open.
Bellucci, who has never been beyond the second round at Melbourne Park, would have had to qualify for the tournament given his low ranking.
Bellucci can start competing again from February 1 but will miss January’s Australian Open