Tennis athlete Goncalo Oliveira has been handed a four-year suspension after a failed drug test. The 30-year-old tested positive for methamphetamine following a sample collected at the Manzanillo Open in Mexico last November.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency revealed that Oliveira attributed his positive result to potential contamination through kissing or environmental factors. However, an independent tribunal concluded that there was insufficient compelling evidence to support this claim.
In an official announcement, the ITIA stated, “All results, prize money, and ranking points from the tournament where the player tested positive will be forfeited, along with those from subsequent events Oliveira participated in from the date of the positive test until the initiation of his provisional suspension.”
Oliveira, hailing from Portugal but representing Venezuela in tennis, received a provisional suspension in January.
After being notified of a possible breach of anti-doping regulations, the player presented his defense. Oliveira recounted an incident on November 24, 2024, involving meeting a woman at a bar, where they shared kisses. The woman had allegedly consumed a recreational drug and a drink, unbeknownst to Oliveira at the time. Oliveira highlighted the possibility of accidental contamination through contact with the woman.
Following a hearing before an independent tribunal in London in September, Oliveira has been subjected to a suspension until January 16, 2029, with the ban already in effect this year.
Throughout his period of ineligibility, the tennis star will be prohibited from participating in, coaching, or attending any events sanctioned by ITIA members. Oliveira’s world ranking peaked at No. 194 by the end of 2017 but has since dropped to No. 460.
Despite winning 18 titles on the ATP Challenger Tour and ITF Futures Tour, Oliveira has not competed in a Grand Slam event. He notably came close to qualifying for the French Open in 2018 but was defeated by Bernard Tomic in the third qualifying round.
Oliveira also participated in the qualifying rounds at Wimbledon in 2018 and the Australian Open in 2024.
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