The closing chapter in Martina Hingis’ distinguished, but now tarnished career is over.
According to Sony Ericsson WTA Tour CEO Larry Scott, Hingis has no plans to appeal her recent suspension from professional tennis.
The former world No. 1 was found guilty by the International Tennis Federation of having cocaine in her system during the 2007 Wimbledon Championships on January 4.
The ITF gave Hingis three weeks to appeal the drug tribunal’s findings, but Tour head Larry Scott confirmed on Monday that Hingis has given up the fight and will not lodge an appeal.
“Martina said to me that the situation is frustrating, and that the process is long and costs much money,” said Scott, according to the Earth Times.
Hingis was banned from professional tennis for two years, but it was merely a formality as the five-time Grand Slam champion retired on November 1, 2007, the same day she revealed that she had failed the drug test.
She’s guilty. Poor thing. If I was innocent I would spend every dime I had clearing my name!