Dayana Yastremska out of Australian Open after losing doping appeal, vows to ‘clear her name’

Dayana Yastremska won’t compete at the 2021 Australian Open after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed her appeal against her provisional doping suspension.
The Ukrainian tested positive for a metabolite of a synthetic testosterone during an out-of-competition test in November and was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in January.
However, the 20-year-old protested her innocence and still travelled to Melbourne for the Australian Open as she had turned to CAS for an urgent appeal.
CAS, though, has rejected the appeal.
“The provisional suspension imposed on Dayana Yastremska in the challenged decision remains in force until a final decision is rendered by the ITF,” CAS said in a statement.
The decision means Yastremska is unable to compete in the season-opening Grand Slam and, although she has accepted the CAS ruling and promised to cover the costs of her charter flight and hotel expenses in Australia, she is determined to prove her innocence.
Statement about the CAS decision: pic.twitter.com/SYi2GiJBC6
— Dayana Yastremska (@D_Yastremska) February 3, 2021
“The urgent procedure with the ITF Independent Tribunal and the CAS could have lifted my provisional suspension, which would have enabled me to compete at the Australian Open,” she wrote.
“That’s the reason why I was allowed to travel there.
“I can’t express my disappointment about not taking part in the first slam of the year. I am thankful to the authorities for the conditions they have set for the players in such challenging times.
“Thus, I intend to return all the expenses engaged by Tennis Australia on my behalf.”
She continued: “My team and I are confident in our ability to prove my innocence as the ITF Independent Tribunal will hear from me, witnesses and experts.
“I remain determined to demonstrate my innocence and clear my name. I wish to thank all my fans for their support.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
French Open
Exclusive – Annabel Croft on ‘big match player’ Emma Raducanu’s prospects for this summer
Annabel Croft has backed teenager Raducanu to defy some of her doubters this summer.
-
French Open
French Open: Rafael Nadal slips, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz favourite
Rafael Nadal is still considered a strong contender for the French Open crown.
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer comeback on track as agent reveals Swiss icon is keen to have a crack at Wimbledon 2023
Roger Federer “won’t rush back this time”.
-
French Open
French Open talking points: Ashleigh Barty void, Emma Raducanu’s pain, Hawk-Eye snub
A few talking points ahead of the 2022 French Open.
-
French Open
Red-hot Iga Swiatek ’embracing’ the pressure ahead of French Open, says Martina Navratilova
Iga Swiatek is thriving.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic ‘rose in Belgrade’, says tennis pundit as he highlights ‘turning point’ in world No 1’s season
Novak Djokovic “very close to his best form”.
-
French Open
The British singles contenders at the 2022 French Open: Emma Raducanu and Cameron Norrie lead the way
The top British players in the main draw at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz heartbroken about Rafael Nadal injury, saying: ‘It hurts me to see him suffer’
Carlos Alcaraz admits it is painful to see Rafael Nadal suffer.
-
French Open
Players to watch at 2022 French Open: From Carlos Alcaraz to Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur and Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz among the favourites in the men’s singles.
-
ATP Tour
Casper Ruud breezes into Geneva Open last eight
Casper Ruud sets out to defend Geneva crown.