Mikael Ymer was suspended for 18 months for violating the anti-doping rules. No intake of banned substances: in 2022 the ITF accused him of missing 3 out-of-competition test appointments over the twelve months.
To communicate it, it is the Swedish tennis player himself who explains it with a statement published on social media.
Ymer explained: "In January 2022, the ITF charged me with a potential anti-doping rule violation for missing 3 out-of-competition test attempts in a 12-month period. I fought that allegation at the hearing and was acquitted by an independent tribunal of 3 arbitrators in June of 2022.
The ITF appealed that decision, despite the fact that the three independent arbitrators who acquitted me were appointed under their own rules, and asked the Court of Arbitration for Sports to reach a different decision on the same facts on the basis of which I had already been exonerated."
Banned Mikael Ymer is furious: "I was acquitted, I find it unfair"
Ymer then added: "Yesterday I learned that the Court of Arbitration for Sport has suspended me from professional tennis for 18 months, despite having never used nor been accused of using any banned substances.
Having already been cleared once, and wholeheartedly arguing that I do not believe the third offense was committed, I find their decision to retry me and subsequently find me guilty unfair.
Furthermore, I find it difficult to understand that they considered an 18-month suspension a just punishment. I understand that these rules have been put in place to protect the integrity of our sport and that they exist for a reason. However, I don't think I broke those rules and my conscience is clear with God as my witness."
Another suspension after that of Jenson Brooksby, who is temporarily out of the professional circuit.
In January 2022, the ITF charged me with a potential anti-doping rule violation for having 3 missed out of competition test attempts in a 12-month period. I fought that charge at a hearing, and was cleared by an independent tribunal of 3 arbitrators in June of 2022. The ITF…
— Mikael Ymer (@MikaelYmer) July 18, 2023
