How Andre Agassi Fooled The ATP During Drug Test

Andre Agassi was never a stranger to controversies. Despite being one of the most successful tennis stars in history, the American was often in the midst of some tabloid gossip.

In the year 2009, Agassi released his autobiography named Open: An Autobiography. More than anything, the book opened up a Pandora’s box of controversies. At the centre of it was a drug test from 1997 that Agassi had failed but more importantly lied about.

His revelation laid bare the weak testing regime that was employed by the ATP. However, more than anything, the American was able to get away with this gross violation. This is how the event played out.

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How did the Andre Agassi drug test create controversy? 

The year 1997 was rough for Andre Agassi. His drug test returned positive for Methamphetamine. An investigation found him guilty for the offence and he was handed a three-month suspension.

However, the punishment was not formally handed out as Agassi claimed that it was because of a contaminated drink that he had drunk. His autobiography in 2009 completely changed the narrative.

Agassi confessed that he had lied about the drink and that he had indeed become addicted to meth during 1997. His assistant introduced him to the drug which later led to personal and professional problems for the player. This opened up a great deal of criticism against the ATP for not properly handling the investigation.

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The question of a retrospective investigation was tossed around but quickly ruled out. However, no formal case was opened up because the incident occurred prior to the establishment of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) which was formed in the year 1999.

This is how Agassi successfully circumvented the formal procedures of tennis. However, as the player is regretful about his mistake, there’s not much that one should make about the incident now. Some questions are best if they are left unvisited.