British tennis’ No. 1 doubles star Tara Moore declared she will prove herself as a 'clean athlete' after she failed a drug test and received a provisional ban.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced yesterday that Moore provided a sample containing banned substances Nandrolone metabolites and Boldenone at a WTA event in Bogota in April. Both substances are on the 2022 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
Her provisional suspension is backdated from May 27 and makes her ineligible to compete in or even attend sanctioned events. Moore, who took part in the French Open, can request her ‘B’ sample is analysed.
"I have never knowingly taken a banned substance in my career," the World No. 83 said. "I am investigating how the positive result could have occurred and look forward to proving that I am a clean athlete.
"I am deeply saddened by the provisional suspension and hope to be back on the court as soon as possible."
Moore, ranked 390th in singles, reached the final in Bogota with partner Emina Bektas. An LTA statement on Moore’s case said: "We are aware of the provisional suspension.
"This matter is the subject of ongoing due process which will be managed independently by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). To preserve the integrity of the process, the LTA will not comment further until the matter has been concluded."
Boldenone was also what former men's doubles world No 1 Robert Farah tested positive for in 2020, although he had his suspension lifted after he successfully argued the substance was accidentally ingested as he ate contaminated beef. As a result of consuming Boldenone, Moore faces being banned from Wimbledon unless there is a dramatic change of circumstances.
Moore and doubles partner Eden Silva were knocked out of Wimbledon in the first round in 2021, which was her fifth defeat in the first round at the SW19 Grand Slam. She has won nine singles titles and 17 doubles titles on the ITF tour - the tier below the WTA.
The 29-year-old made it as high as World No.145 in singles in 2017, while her best result at a major tournament came at the US Open last year when she made it to the third round in the mixed doubles. Moore also made the second round in singles at Wimbledon in 2016.
