Tennis: ITF Ban Stefan Koubek - Failed drugs test!

Austrian Stefan Koubek has been handed a three-month ban by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) after testing positive for a banned substance. The world number 60 failed a routine drugs test at this year's French Open at Roland Garros.

He now plans to lodge an appeal, blaming factors outside his control for the failure. Koubek believes an injection given to him by an Austrian doctor to treat a wrist injury is the reason for producing traces of the substance in his system.

"I have acted correctly," the 27-year-old said in a statement.

An independent tribunal accepted that the injection was the source of the positive test but also found Koubek had not intended to enhance his performance. Koubek, who defeated Britain's Greg Rusedski in the decisive rubber of the Davis Cup in September, will miss the start of the new season if the ban stays in place.

He said: "A three-month ban would mean that I not only will miss the Australian Open but also the Davis Cup in Australia."

He is currently eligible to return to competition on March 21.

Sportinglife