A teary Yanina Wickmayer held a presser today saying that she has never tested positive for drugs.
The Belgian was suspended last week by the ITF for failing three times to report her whereabouts for testing.
She complained that tennis and anti-doping authorities did nothing to educate her about how to report her whereabouts online as required by international anti-doping rules.
However, it was unsure whether Wickmayer will appeal her one-year ban or accept the ruling.
She added on saying that the rulemakers “are not really conscious of what this means for my future.”
Updates: Based on the original transcript from Wickmayer presser, she will indeed make an appeal and fight to clear her name. The report by AP here is not entirely accurate.
(Via AP)
Marat Safin calls it a career yesterday, receiving a huge ovation from the fans after a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 defeat to Juan Martin del Potro in the second round of the Paris Masters.
It was the former world no.1's last match on the men's tour.
He may be famous for his furious, racket-throwing rants, but Safin would rather be remembered for the hard work he put in during a 12-year career.
“A lot of people there really thought that I’m not a really hard worker,” Safin, a two-time Grand Slam winner, said.
“But you can ask all my coaches how I dedicated myself to tennis. They will tell you it’s completely the opposite of what a lot of people think.”
During a modest ceremony where he received a special trophy, Safin said, “Today I will put all my memories, all my wins and losses in a small box."
“Today a door is closed, hopefully another one will open.”
Safin remained unclear about his projects for the future.
“Sportsmen are great when they are sportsmen,” Safin said.
“Afterwards, it’s a little bit tough for them. The transition from being a tennis player to do something else is difficult. And if time passes too much, you’re just an ex-tennis player.”
Here's a tribute video for Safin. You are one in millions and we will definitely miss you!
Serena Williams was named as one of Glamour magazine's 2009 Women of the Year.
At the star-studded event, Emmy award-winning talk show host, Tyra Banks, presented Serena Williams, with her award.
During her speech, she encouraged the women in the crowd, "You can do whatever you want to do. The most important belief is self-belief."
Among the women honoured were Rihanna, Maria Shriver, Stella McCartney, First Lady Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Laura Ling, Euna Lee, Maya Angelou, Jane Aronson, Marissa Mayer, Amy Poehler and Susan Rice.
BEC-Tero Entertainment informed us that Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams will be participating in the Centennial Invitation in Hua Hin on January 2, 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hua Hin and usher in the New Year at the same time.
It was reported that more than 20 million baht will be spent to stage the exhibition match.
A temporary court with a capacity to seat 4,000 people at the Hua Hin Centennial Park.
After their singles match, Sharapova and Williams will combine with local stars Paradorn Srichaphan and Danai Udomchoke for a set of mixed doubles.The players are expected to celebrate their New Year’s Eve at the new InterContinental Resort.Tickets for the Centennial Invitation go on sale at all Thaiticketmajor outlets and Major Hua Hin from November 21 onwards.
A teary Yanina Wickmayer held a presser today saying that she has never tested positive for drugs.
She complained that tennis and anti-doping authorities did nothing to educate her about how to report her whereabouts online as required by international anti-doping rules.
