Rusedski maintains his innocence

Greg Rusedski “fully expects” to be found innocent at the ATP hearing into his positive test for the banned drug nandrolone.

Rusedski faces the hearing in Montreal on February 9 after surprisingly confirming the test result himself yesterday evening.

In a statement released to the Press Association, Rusedski said: “In response to media inquiries I confirm that I have been advised by the ATP anti-doping administrator that a sample I provided tested positive for a low concentration of nandrolone metabolites.

“I wish to make it clear that I do not and never have taken performance enhancing drugs.

“This is a very complex situation which once understood will clearly demonstrate my total innocence.

“There is a hearing to be held in Montreal on February 9 which I shall attend. I fully expect to be found innocent.”

Earlier this week Rusedski laughed off suggestions he had returned a positive drug test when asked by a journalist in Adelaide, where he lost the second match of his comeback from injury yesterday, going down 6-2 6-2 to unseeded Frenchman Cyril Saulnier.

The Lawn Tennis Association’s performance director, David Felgate, expressed surprise at the test result, and at Rusedski’s decision to go public.

“I am as surprised as anybody else,” Felgate said. “I am surprised he has gone public before the hearing. I had heard the rumours over the last couple of days but I am as staggered as anybody else.

“He prides himself on how he works out and tries to keep himself in shape and as far as I am concerned is a thorough professional. I hope for his sake he has a good case.”

David Higdon, vice president of corporate communications at the ATP, told PA International: “We will not comment on any individual case until the process is completed, regardless of any statement made by a player concerned.

“As far as we are concerned, we have one of the most comprehensive and efficient processes for testing that a sporting body can have.”

The system used by the ATP is much the same as that applied in athletics.

If a player fails an A test they are requested to explain to the ATP why they think it may have happened, and if there are any possible extenuating circumstances.

They then undergo a B test. If this is also positive the player is informed and has the right to appeal.

Earlier this week, Argentina’s Mariano Puerta was given a nine-month ban after his positive test for the banned substance clenbuterol was confirmed.

Traces of clenbuterol – an anabolic agent that promotes muscle growth – were found in Puerta’s system during the ATP event in Vina del Mar, Chile, last year.

An independent anti-doping programme tribunal gave Puerta a nine-month suspension, beginning on October 3 2003, the day he voluntarily pulled out of competition.

The 25-year-old said he took the substance to treat an acute asthma attack, a claim accepted by the ATP Tribunal.

Before playing in Adelaide, Rusedski had been on the sidelines since losing both his singles matches in last September’s Davis Cup defeat in Morocco.

It is believed the test dates from a tournament he played in July in Indianapolis, a month before he made a disappointing first round exit from the US Open at the hands of France’s Gregory Carraz.

The high point of Rusedski’s career was a run to the final of the US Open in 1997 when he leapfrogged Tim Henman to become British number one – but lost to Australia’s Pat Rafter.