Monday 7 August 2017 17:53, UK
Former world number five Sara Errani has been suspended for two months after failing a doping test, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced.
Errani, who reached the French Open final in 2012 and is now ranked 98, tested positive for masking agent letrozole, a substance which is also commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer, during an out-of-competition test in February.
It has now been revealed that Errani accepted a charge of violating anti-doping rules in April. Her results between February and June have been wiped and she has forfeited all prize money and ranking points that she accumulated during that period.
The 30-year-old Italian blamed contamination from her mother's breast cancer medication.
"I never took, in my life and during my career, any prohibited substance," Errani said in a statement.
"I am extremely disappointed but at the same time at peace with my conscience and aware I haven't done anything wrong."
The ban, effective from August 3, was imposed after the case was heard by an independent tribunal last month. Her suspension will end on October 2, precluding her from playing in the US Open.
Errani has won nine singles titles and 25 doubles titles in her WTA career and has also helped Italy to three Fed Cup titles.
Italian rower Niccolo Mornati, a four-time medallist at the world championships, tested positive in 2016 for the same substance.
