Doping Ban Lifted From Wimbledon Doubles Champion and World Number One Robert Farah

The multi-time Grand Slam champion Robert Farah was tested positive for Boldenone (an anabolic steroid) by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). He was provisionally suspended from the ATP circuit from 21 January 2020. But now, ITF has cleared his anti-doping violations.

ITF statements on Robert Farah

They stated that doubles World Number one Farah is not guilty. The element, anabolic steroid Boldenone is widely found in Colombian meat, solomillo (beef). “Mr. Farah’s account of how the Boldenone entered his system was accepted and it was determined that he bears No Fault or Negligence for the violation,” the ITF stated.

According to World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”), Boldenone is a Non-Specified substance. The element is prohibited under their category S1 of WADA. 

Now Farah is eligible to resume his tenure on the ATP Tour. The decision determines that:

• Mr. Farah has committed a violation of the Programme
• there is no period of ineligibility
• Mr. Farah is eligible to compete with immediate effect. This decision is subject to appeal by WADA and NADO Colombia to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“Therefore, the Player’s provisional suspension (imposed on 21 January 2020) is lifted with immediate effect, and he will not serve any period of Ineligibility for his violation. For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Farah is eligible to resume competition immediately,” the ITF mentioned.

Canada-born Colombian tennis player Robert Farah won Wimbledon and the US Open doubles titles alongside his compatriot Juan Sebastian Cabal in 2019. The duo ended the year 2019 as World Number one tennis players on the doubles circuit.

The thriving team could have extended their Grand Slam match-winning streak at Aussie Open, but fate had its own plans, as the doping ban led Farah to miss the Australian Open 2020.

Farah’s previous suspension

About two years ago, Robert Farah was involved in betting promotions, one a gambling website on social media. For his gambling activities, he was handed a fine of $5,000 and suspended from the ATP Tour for three months.