LONDON (AP) — Gonçalo Oliveira, a Portuguese-born player who represents Venezuela, was provisionally suspended for doping on Wednesday.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency said the 29-year-old Oliveira was tested on Nov. 25 while competing at an ATP Challenger event in Manzanillo, Mexico and the A sample was positive for the banned substance methamphetamine.
The mandatory suspension took effect on Jan. 17, the agency said.
Oliveira confirmed that he will be working with lawyers and is ‘fully committed to proving my innocence,’ after the agency initially reported that the player had chosen not to appeal.
“I have always competed with the utmost integrity, respect and love for the game of tennis… I am fully committed to proving my innocence and ensuring that the truth is brought to light,” he wrote in a lengthy Instagram Stories message. “I am cooperating transparently and proactively with the ITIA, and working with lawyers to seek a swift resolution of this unfamiliar process.”
Oliveira reached a career-high doubles ranking of 77th in August 2020.
