Tennis body to address players' drugs fears

The Association of Tennis Professionals has set up a task force to tackle players' fears about contaminated supplements.

The Association of Tennis Professionals has set up a task force to tackle players' fears about contaminated supplements.

"The aim is to develop short and long term solutions designed to help players manage the risks associated with taking vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements," the ATP said in a statement issued today.
 
The ATP said British number two Greg Rusedski, who failed a random test for the steroid nandrolone last July, had said he was the victim of a contaminated substance.

"He has insisted that he was a victim of a contamination and claims that six players were found with elevated levels of nandrolone with the same analytical fingerprint," the statement said.

Rusedski, who faces a ban up to two years if found guilty, is waiting for the result of a hearing held in Montreal last month.

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Seven players were exonerated last year after an independent inquiry ruled that they had taken contaminated substances handed out by ATP trainers.

Former world number one Andrew Agassi, Britain's top player Tim Henman and 2002 French Open winner Albert Costa are three of 10 players who will serve on the task force.