Sara Errani’s doping suspension increased to 10 months
FILE – In this Sunday, May 27, 2018 file photo, Italy’s Sara Errani returns the ball to France’s Alize Cornet during their first round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Stadium, in Paris. 2012 French Open finalist Sara Errani’s doping suspension has been increased from two months to 10 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. CAS announced on Monday, June 11, its rulings in appeals by Errani and Italy’s national anti-doping agency, which asked for up to a two-year punishment. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)
LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Past French Open finalist Sara Errani’s doping suspension was increased Monday from two months to 10 months, a decision that left her “disgusted by this matter” and questioning if she will play again.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport announced its rulings on appeals by Errani and Italy’s national anti-doping agency, which asked for up to a two-year punishment.
The 31-year-old Italian tested positive for the banned substance letrozole in an out-of-competition drug test at her family home in February 2017. Errani was told about the result in April 2017 but continued to compete with the hope of winning on appeal.
Her original two-month ban was served from August to October 2017. That period will count toward her new 10-month suspension.
Errani had to wait seven months for the decision.
“I have dedicated my life to this sport and I don’t think I deserve all this,” she wrote on Twitter. “I feel powerless against such an injustice. … All of this is a total nonsense! … I don’t know if I will be able to find the strength and desire to play tennis again, after all this.”
The sports court ruled that the letrozole came from medicine taken by Errani’s mother “that found its way into the family meal prepared by the athlete’s mother and eaten by the entire family, including the athlete” in February 2017. But the court said Errani needed to be more careful and that her mother’s fault “is imputed to her.”
Errani lost the 2012 final at Roland Garros to Maria Sharapova and was ranked as high as No. 5 in singles the next year. Errani also completed a career Grand Slam in doubles with Roberta Vinci.
Errani is ranked 72nd this week. She lost in the first round of the French Open.
