World No.128 American WTA Player Slapped With Four-Year Ban by ITF

Over the years, tennis organizations have come up with stringent rules concerning the use of prohibited substances by players on both the WTA and ATP tours. While most of the athletes are extremely careful in knowing what goes into their bodies. However, there have been instances where certain players induced a substance unknowingly and served their due. The case of Uzbekistan-born American tennis player Varvara Lepchenko and her suspension by the ITF is quite interesting.

Varvara Lepchenko suspended from tour until August, 2025

Moments ago, ITF media confirmed that Lepchenko has committed an Anti-Doping Rule violation and confirmed her suspension from the WTA tour.

Getting into the details, the 35-year-old tennis player submitted a urine sample on 12th July 2021; at the Hungarian Grand Prix event, Budapest. The World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA) confirmed the presence of a prohibited substance(adrafinil and/or modafinil metabolite) in the sample.

As a result of the positive test that mandates a provisional suspension. Lepchenko has been deemed ineligible to play since the 19th of August last year.

Watch this story: Venus Williams and Will Smith Cast Emotions After King Richard’s Honor at SAG Awards

When this provisional suspension was handed to Varvara, the ITF officials gave her an opportunity to apply to the chair of the independent tribunal over the decision.

“Lepchenko had (and retains) the right to apply to the chair of the independent tribunal convened to hear her case why the provisional suspension should not be imposed (or should be vacated), but has not exercised that right, ” the ITF media officials mentioned.

With Lepchenko already serving the provisional suspension, the ITF has confirmed the suspension on Friday that Lepchenko has committed an  Anti-Doping Rule Violation. As her ineligibility period of four years has already begun on 19th of August last year; known to end on 18th August, 2025.

Lepchenko is a successful athlete on the ITF circuit

Varvara Lepchenko will be 39 by the time she will be allowed to compete on tour. It is almost impossible for the American player to make a comeback at that age. However, she enjoyed great success on the ITF tour, where she reached the finals on 25 occasions and ended up winning 13 of them.

Last year, Lepchenko qualified for Roland Garros and was also scheduled to play the qualifiers at the US Open. But, the ITF’s provisional suspension halted her plans.  It’s difficult to imagine her to bounce back once the suspension is lifted.

Also read: Massive News From Andy Murray Camp as He Re-Hires Multiple-Time Grand Slam Champion