Brazilian player suspended by the ITIA blames contaminated meat for positive doping test
Brazilian player Nicolas Zanellato has responded to his provisional suspension by The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) over tests that detected elevated levels of boldenone in the 22-year-old’s samples.
The ITIA confirmed that Zanellato, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 458 in April 2024, has been provisionally suspended under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.
Zanellato, provided an in-competition sample while turning out in an ATP Challenger event in Ibagué, Colombia, on 25 June 2024.
According to an ITIA statement, the sample was split into A and B samples and the subsequent analysis found that the A sample contained boldenone, which is prohibited under the TADP, in the category of Anabolic Agents (section S1 [1.1] of the 2024 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List).
Boldenone is a non-Specified Substance, and the ethics watchdog also notes that Zanellato did not possess a valid TUE for the substance.
The agency also confirmed that analysis of the B sample has since confirmed the finding in the A sample.
Zanellato would exercise his right to appeal the provisional suspension under the TADP before an independent tribunal chair. However at a hearing on 22 August 2024, the chair heard oral argument from the player and the ITIA, before dismissing his appeal on the basis that the evidence provided fell “well short” of the required threshold.
The Brazilian player has argued that he inadvertantly consumed meat that was contaminated with the steroid. The ITIA had issued a warning to players against the risks of consuming red meat in Central and South American countries back in October 2022 which means that they are at least aware of the possibility of such contimination.
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In a warning published in October 2022, the ITIA declared: “With a significant swing of events under way or on the horizon in Central and South America, the ITIA is warning players about the risks of meat contamination in the region.
“Steroids can sometimes be used to promote growth in cattle and other animals bred for meat in certain countries which if consumed, can show up in Anti-Doping tests. In some cases, under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, this may result in a mandatory provisional suspension whilst the matter is investigated.
“Players are being urged to understand the risks of eating meat in these regions during tournaments – and potentially seek other sources of protein where possible. If consuming meat, try to confirm where it comes from (US-sourced meat is generally safer), eat with other players and keep photos and receipts from all meals.”
While provisionally suspended, Zanellato is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA or any national association.
He could still take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if his suspension is upheld.