Task force moving in right direction

The first meeting of the ATP’s supplements ‘Task Force’ – formed in response to a spate of positive drugs test on the men’s tour – was today described as “a step in the right direction” by ATP president Chris Clouser.

Clouser, a former chief executive of SmithKline Beecham and as well as an ex-player, chaired the meeting which included Tim Henman and Andre Agassi among a deputation of high profile players.

He said: “Our meeting was an initial step in the right direction and provided the background we need to tackle this issue.

“We have a tight timetable over the next few months to both compile information and recommend solutions, and we look forward to presenting our report later this summer.”

The issue of supplement use in tennis was brought to a head this month when Greg Rusedski successfully argued his positive test for nandrolone could have come from electrolytes distributed by the ATP itself.

The ATP task force was formed to provide players “with practical advice on how to reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of doping associated with supplements”.