ITF: 'No tennis players under drugs investigation'

The International Tennis Federation has dismissed reports linking tennis players to the drugs scandal engulfing cycling.

The doctor at the centre of the Spanish doping investigation which led to several riders withdrawing from the Tour de France, claims he has also treated tennis players, footballers and athletes.

Eufemiano Fuentes told Cadena Ser radio: “I’m angry about the whole matter. I’ve worked with other sports; tennis, football and athletics. There are a lot of names that haven’t come out.”

But International Tennis Fedeation president Francesco Ricci Bitti reacted strongly to the reports, saying: “Earlier this week, following reports in the media, the International Tennis Federation was immediately in touch with the appropriate Spanish authorities to request information about allegations that tennis players are under investigation in Operation Puerto.

“We have today been assured in writing by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science that no tennis players, either Spanish or foreign, are under investigation.

“We feel that it is unfair and unfortunate that tennis players, including Rafael Nadal, have been named, erroneously, as under investigation. All top players are tested regularly under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme and are very aware of the rules of the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Code.

“We appreciate the assistance of the Spanish authorities in providing us very quickly with the necessary confirmation.”

Nadal also reacted angrily on Monday evening after reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon when questioned about reports linking him to the doping investigation in Spain.

The 20-year-old French Open champion said: “I have never taken anything in my life and I never will. I am well enough educated in the sporting world and outside not to cheat.

“People who write lies about other people are bad people. There is nothing more to say about this. My manager is speaking to my lawyers.”