In the first off-court shock of the 2021 tennis season, Dayana Yastremska has been handed a provisional suspension by the ITF after testing positive for Mesterelone on November 24th of last year.
The Ukrainian, ranked 29th, provided an out-of-competition urine sample on that date and after the sample was tested, it was found to contain the banned substance only two weeks after testing negative in Linz.
ITF puts out statement on Yastremska suspension
In a statement released by the ITF website, they stated "Dayana Yastremska has been provisionally suspended under Article 8.3 1 (c) of the 2020 Tennis Anti-Doping Programme pending determination of the charge against her at a full hearing pursuant to Article of the Programme.
"Ms. Yastremska, a 20-year old player from Ukraine, provided an out-of-competition urine sample on November 24, 2020. That sample was sent to the World Anti-Doping Agency accredited labratory in Montreal, Canada for analysis, and was found to contain mesterelone metabolite.
"Mesterelone is a non-specified substance, which is prohibited under Category S1 of the 2020 WADA Prohibited List (Anabolic Agents), and therefore is also prohibited under the Programme. Positive tests for non-specified substances carry a mandatory provisional suspension.
"On December 22, 2020, Ms. Yastremska was charged with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under Article 2.1 of the Programme (presence of a Prohibited Substance in a player's sample) and was provisionally suspended with effect from January 7, 2021.
"Ms. Yastremska had (and retains) the right to apply to the Chair of the Independent Tribunal convened to hear her case why the provisional suspension should not be imposed, but has chosen not to exercise that right to date."
Yastremska goes to social media to explain failed test
Yastremska posted on her Instagram the following: "Dear all. A few days ago, I have received a notice from the ITF that I was tested positive for mesterone metabolite on November 24, 2020. I firmly state I have never used any performance-enhancing drugs or any prohibited substances.
"I am astonished and under shock, particularly given that two weeks prior to this test - on November 9, 2020 I tested negative at the WTA event in Linz. After this last tournament of the year, I stopped practicing to rest prior to the start of the new season.
"Only a very low concentrate of mesterelone metabolite was detected in my urine. Given that low concentration and my negative test two weeks earlier, I have received scientific advice that the result is consistent with some form of contamination event.
"Besides, I have been informed that this substance is meant for use as medication by men and that women are advised not to use it due to the adverse effects it causes.
"Due to the confidentiality of the proceedings, you will understand that I am not able to share any further information at this stage. However, I am currently working with my team and you can be assured that I am resolutely determined to do everything to clear my name."
