Dayana Yastremska‘s doping case has finally reached its epilogue: the prohibited substance found in the Ukrainian tennis star’s body was a result of a contamination event and she can immediately resume her career at the WTA Tour.
The six-month ordeal started in January, when Yastremska was informed that she had tested positive for mesterolone metabolite in November 2020. The Ukrainian filed multiple appeals against the provisional doping ban, but they were all denied, keeping the WTA player on the sidelines and making her the object of criticism.
Throughout that period Yastremska insisted on her innocence and claimed that she would clear her name. The moment has finally arrived. The 21-year-old has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
On 21 May 2021, we had the full hearing, where I could finally present all my evidence to the Independent Tribunal.
The Tribunal accepted that the positive test was caused by contamination, that I acted without fault or negligence and that no sanction should be imposed on me. I am therefore free to resume playing tennis with immediate effect.
The world No.37 Yastremska can’t wait to get back to competition, but she’s not playing Wimbledon, which starts on Monday. (photo: Jimmie48)
