Facts
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) charges Victor Troicki (the player) for a violation of the ITF 2013 Anti-Doping Program. The player refused or failed without compelling justification to submit to the collection of a blood sample after notification of testing given to him following his match at the ATP World Tour Masters tournament held in Monte Carlo (“the Monte Carlo Masters”) on 15 April 2013.
History
There was clear and convincing evidence that the player has suffered since childhood from a phobia of needles (a condition that he had inherited from his father). In consequence, the giving of blood is something that he faces with trepidation and that induces feelings of panic. He gave evidence that he fainted while giving blood seven years ago and that he feels unwell for the rest of the day after he has given a blood sample. The statement from Professor Djukic records that the player reported dizziness with vertigo, nausea and chest pain following the taking of blood samples from him in 2007.
Decision
a. The commission of the Anti-Doping Rule Violation is confirmed
b. The players individual result must be disqualified in respect of the Monte Carlo Masters 2013, and in consequence rules that the 45 ATP ranking points and €9,305 in prize money obtained by him from his participation in that event must be forfeited;
c. The player must be permitted to retain the prize money and ranking points obtained by him from his participation in all subsequent competitions in which he has participated;
d. The player has established that the circumstances of his Anti-Doping Rule Violation bring him within the provisions of Article 10.5.2 of the Program;
e. Declares Mr Troicki ineligible for a period of 18 months, commencing on 15 July 2013, from participating in any capacity in (i) any Covered Event; (ii) any other Event or Competition or activity (other than authorized anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs) authorized, organised or sanctioned by the ITF, the ATP, any National Association or member of a National Association, or any Signatory, Signatory’s member organisation, or club or member organization of that Signatory’s member organisation; or (iii) any Event or Competition authorised or organised by any professional league or any international or national-level Event or Competition organization.
