Posted at 7:48 a.m., Monday, September 24, 2007
Tennis: Brazilian gets 2-month doping ban
Associated Press
LONDON -- Brazilian tennis player Marcelo Melo was banned for two months today for a doping violation.
The doubles specialist tested positive for the stimulant isometheptene June 10 at the Wimbledon warmup tournament at Queen's Club, the International Tennis Federation said.
The ban was reduced from the usual two years because Melo did not take the substance to "enhance his sporting performance," the ITF said. The suspension was backdated to Sept. 10 and will end Nov. 9.
Melo will forfeit prize money and ranking points earned at Queen's Club and the U.S. Open. The ITF said the Brazilian will retain his results from tournaments between those two because he did not know about the positive test until just before the U.S. Open.
He reached the doubles quarterfinals at the U.S. Open with Andre Sa. Melo and Sa made the semifinals at Wimbledon.
