The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has released a statement regarding the International Tennis Federation’s decision in Martina Hingis’ drug case.
Speaking on behalf of the Tour, CEO Larry Scott backed the tribunal’s verdict, and expressed remorse that Hingis’ stellar career would conclude in this way.
“As a signatory to the WADA Code and a founding member of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is committed to ensuring the integrity and competitive fairness of women’s professional tennis, and ensuring the heath and well-being of our athletes,” said Scott in the press release.
“The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to doping in sport, and fully supports the Tennis Anti-Doping Program, which is globally recognized as a world-class program in protecting the integrity of professional tennis. We support and will enforce the ruling of this independent tribunal under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program.
All of this said, we are saddened by this news as Martina has meant so much to fans the world over and made many positive contributions to the sport.”
Martina Hingis was found guilty of cocaine use on January 4, 2008 and has been banned from competition for two years.
[...] Sony Ericsson WTA Tour fully supports the tribunal, but they are saddened by the fact that such scandal happened to fan favorite Martina [...]