Number 51 ATP rated tennis player suspended for 18 months

World No. 51 Sweden mikael ymer announced that he was suspended from tennis for a year and a half for violating anti-doping rules.

“In January 2022, the ITF accused me of a possible anti-doping rule violation for missing three out-of-competition tests in one year. I contested this charge during the trial, and in June 2022 the Independent Court acquitted me. The ITF challenged this decision, despite the opinion of the three judges of the court, and the CAS granted their request.

Yesterday I learned that the Court of Arbitration for Sport suspended me from professional tennis for 18 months, even though I have never used or been accused of using illegal substances. As someone who has been acquitted once before, and while I wholeheartedly defend that skipping the third test is not a crime, I consider it unfair that the case be reopened and I am found guilty. Moreover, it is difficult for me to understand why they see an 18-month suspension as a fair punishment.

I understand that these rules are made to protect the integrity of our sport and for a reason. But I don’t think I’ve violated these rules and my conscience is at ease before God,” tweeted Ymer.