Croatian star Marin Cilic has been banned for nine months for doping violations.
The
suspension was backdated to May 1, so Cilic will be able to return to
the circuit on January 31 and the ITF says it believes the Croat did not
take the stimulant deliberately.
Cilic tested positive for nikethamide, a stimulant, in Munich.
The
ITF says an independent tribunal found that Cilic "ingested the
nikethamide inadvertently as a result of taking the Coramine glucose
tablets, and did not intend to enhance his performance in doing so."
Cilic has not played since withdrawing from Wimbledon in June.