SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Australian Open champion Petr Korda tested positive for steroids at Wimbledon, the International Tennis Federation said Wednesday.
Korda was forced to forfeit the 199 rankings points and $94,529 in prize money he earned for making the quarterfinals at Wimbledon this year.Korda, from the Czech Republic, tested positive to nandrolene metabolites, a performance-enhancing anabolic steroid whose use would normally result in a long ban.
The ITF appeals committee ruled that Korda was guilty of a drug-related offense but cited "exceptional circumstances" for not imposing any further sanctions.The ITF said Korda was unaware he had taken or been administered the banned substance and no further penalty would be imposed.
The appeals committee heard evidence Monday from Korda, his representatives and the federation before making its ruling.
Korda said in a statement that he had been informed by the federation on Aug. 1 that he had tested positive for steroids and was issued with a Notice of Violation in October. He said he and his advisers had made exhaustive, but unsuccessful, attempts to find the source of the illegal substance.
"I am delighted that the Committee has cleared my name and that I am free to carry on playing and competing," Korda said. "I would like to say that I completely support the Tennis Anti-Doping Program and the efforts of the sports authorities to ensure that the sport is clean."