Rusedski pledges to clear name after failing drugs test

Greg Rusedski, Britain's Number Two ranked tennis player, has said that he will fight to clear his name after tests proved positive for a banned substance.

Rusedski, ranked 119 in the world, was found to have traces of nandrolone in a sample which is thought to have been taken at an event in Indianapolis last July.

The player, who has protested his innocence, said that he will attend a hearing in Montreal scheduled for February 9 to challenge the findings.

"I wish to make it clear that I do not take, and never have taken, performance-enhancing drugs," Rusedski told reporters ahead of a tournament in Adelaide, Australia.

He added: "This is a very complex situation which, once understood, will clearly demonstrate my total innocence."

Should Mr Rusedski fail to prove his innocence he can expect a ban of at least one year and, for a 30-year-old player who has been hampered by poor form and niggling injuries of late, it could yet prove to be the end of his 13-year professional career.

Nandrolone is a performance-enhancing drug that has been used by competitors in a range of physically demanding sports. Nandrolone, when administered in sufficient quantities, helps the body to rebuild muscles and assist recovery after training. However, nandrolone is found naturally in the body and levels can increase by eating certain meats, particularly pork.

Montreal-born Rusedski, who in 1997 became the first Briton to be ranked in the ATP top 10, has missed most of this season's tour due to a series of injuries to his foot, knee and back. He is, however, still expected to enter the Australian Open singles competition at the end of this month.

Rusedski has won 13 singles and three doubles titles during his career. His finest moment came in 1997 when he was beaten in four seats by Pat Rafter in the US Open final – the closest he has come to achieving a Grand Slam title. He has won career prize money of $7,965,250.

(gmcg)