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Sunday, February 29, 2004
Tennis Star Federer Supports Drug Tests
By Steve Hill, Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Top-ranked Roger Federer's 21 drug tests last year were the most in men's tennis, and he said Sunday he supports rigorous testing to keep the sport clean.
"It's not a problem being tested all the time. Obviously, after a loss, you're not quite in the mood to go and do a test, but I understand it," said Federer, who passed all the tests.
"I don't think they should change anything. They're testing more on blood, and I'm not a big fan of that, but I understand it."
He spoke a day before opening defense of his title at the Dubai Open, where his opening match against Marat Safin will be a rematch of the Australian Open final. Federer won his second Grand Slam title, after Wimbledon.
The Swiss star took 20 drug tests at tournaments and one out of competition in 2003, according to figures made public by the ATP.
"Testing has been done very aggressively, I would say, in a good way, because it is something which is important to me — that the sport of tennis stays clean. This is what everybody wants," Federer said.
"You have to think twice about what you do. ... If you take vitamins, you have to make 100 percent sure that they have nothing to do with doping," he added. "It's the same with anything else, what you eat and drink — just make sure, and then there are no problems."
Greg Rusedski, the 1997 U.S. Open finalist, is awaiting word on whether he will be punished after testing positive for the steroid nandrolone at a tournament in July.
He could be suspended for up to two years, although Rusedski denied using the drug and contends the banned substance might have come from supplements supplied by ATP Tour trainers.
Federer said that "definitely you get a little bit concerned" when hearing about situations like Rusedski's, but was reluctant to discuss the subject.
"For everybody, it would be easier if (a ruling) came out. Then there would be less talk about it. The more we talk about it, the worse it is for the sport," Federer said.
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