This is quite a bad news!
Former world no.12, Viktor Troicki won’t be able to play for the next 18 months as he failed to provide blood samples during the tournament in Monte Carlo.
According to Viktor he asked the permission not to provide them as he was feeling unwell, but the ITF refused the explanation.
Troicki: Toughest moment of my career
In a press conference Troicki said “this is the toughest moment of my career and of my life”.
“I am innocent. I have never ever taken any prohibited substance or ever thought of doing so. I did not lie and this really hurts.'”.
Statement from the ITF
The ITF released the following statement.
“Mr Troicki, a 27-year-old player from Serbia, was notified on 15 April 2013 that he had been selected to provide a urine sample and a blood sample in association with his participation at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters event.
“Mr Troicki provided a urine sample, but did not provide a blood sample.
“He asserted to an independent tribunal that he was assured by the Doping Control Officer (DCO) that it would be acceptable not to provide a sample on account of him feeling unwell that day.
“However, the tribunal concluded that the DCO told Mr Troicki that she could not advise him as to whether his reason for not providing a blood sample was valid, and that no such assurances were given by her.
“Accordingly, the tribunal determined that Mr Troicki’s actions constituted a failure and a refusal to provide a blood sample, and that his explanation for not doing so did not constitute compelling justification.
“However, the tribunal accepted that the stress that Mr Troicki was under at the time entitled him to mitigation.”
Giving back points and prize money
Viktor reached the quarters in Monte Carlo where he lost to Tsonga. Now the Serb has to give back the prize money and he will lose the points earned in the Principality.
