British tennis player Dan Evans tested positive for cocaine use earlier this year and has subsequently been abandoned by his clothing sponsor Ellesse for the transgression.
Ellesse on Dan Evans: “We cannot condone the lifestyle choices he has made and are therefore withdrawing his sponsorship.”
Cocaine is of course regarded as a recreational drug but also as a performance enhancer. Dr Brian Hainline co-authored “Drugs And The Athlete” in 1989 and revealed insights: “If you took the right stimulant you’d be more alert and experience less fatigue. With a carefully calibrated dose of cocaine, you’d play better. Everything is a matter of dosage.”
Evans is not the first name player to test positive for cocaine use. Most recently, Martina Hingis tested positive for cocaine in 2007. Richard Gasquet tested positive in 2009 but his lengthy ban was overturned by the ITF tribunal panel which ruled that the French player’s excuse for the positive test was because he kissed a woman who had used the drug at a nightclub. Gasquet’s punishment was slashed to two and a half months.
Evans addressed the issue at a London press conference last week: “Hello everyone, this is a very difficult day for me. I wanted to come here in person to tell you guys face to face, I was notified a few days ago that I failed a drugs test in April, where I tested positive for cocaine. It’s really important that you know this was taken out of competition and in a context completely unrelated to tennis.
“I made a mistake and I must face up to it. I do not condone for one second that this was acceptable behaviour. I’ve let a lot of people down: my family, my coach, my team, sponsors, British tennis and my fans. I can only deeply apologize from the bottom of my heart.
“This has been a sad and humbling experience. I hope you understand that I will not be taking any questions and I would like to thank you for your support in my career, today – for the good and bad times.”
Evans, ranked 50 in the world by the ATP, tested positive in April in Barcelona. The controversial Brit who has a history of behavioral issues and excessive partying, will learn the length of his ITF ban on June 26.
Two years ago Evans was ranked outside of the top 700 but was able to persevere and battle his way back into the top 50 at a career high of no. 41. The 27 year old veteran will once again have to climb his way back up the ATP rankings through Challengers and Futures after serving what is expected to be at least a one or two year ban.
Jimmy the Gent · June 28, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Jimmy the Gent writes:
WOW – too bad !!…..he had a taco (by himself) at the table next to us while I was visiting coconut grove during the Miami open.. I believe coke and PEDs are prevalent in tennis but sucks to get caught.. look fwd to seeing his one-hander soon..
catherine · June 28, 2017 at 3:47 pm
catherine writes:
I can't believe Dan Evans could be so dumb. Or maybe I could.
Scoop Malinowski · June 28, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
I was told an absolutely CRAZY story by a top Brit player two years ago off site in Key Biscayne and it was the craziest party animal story I ever heard about a pro tennis player and I've heard a few really REALLY wacky ones 🙂 Evans partied to the extreme and it got the best of him.
Ryan Balon · June 28, 2017 at 9:43 pm
Ryan Balon writes:
Scoop I watched Evans play at the US Open last year take out Sasha Z in four sets and then watched his thriller against Stan the man losing in 5. I heard a few years back he received a WC into wimby but it was revoked as he was seen at a bar around 2am the day of his first match- my timeline might be a bit off but Evans as people have detailed is a bit of a party animal. Ellesse has made its way back on the apparel front as you can now purchase their attire on the tennis warehouse website – bought a few shirts and a pair of shorts, love them! Scoop your boy Lopez as I'm sure you know is also sponsored by them and obviously cutting ties with Evans was a must Don't see him making a run back into the top 50 after his suspension- actually don't think we'll see him again on tour after this- he's too small and doesn't have any weapons to help him propel back to where he was a few months ago. Count down to Newport – looking forward to catching up soon!
Scoop Malinowski · June 29, 2017 at 9:17 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Ryan: Didn't Evans have a match point on Stan? Lopez is ready to win Wimbledon and I'm ready for a wildcard in Newport main draw 🙂
Ryan Balon · June 29, 2017 at 10:40 am
Ryan Balon writes:
Scoop Yes he did have a match point against Stan. Evans was playing out of his mind and Stan's quality wasn't his best but he was playing very well in that 5th set Newport should be interesting per usual DY looks to be playing well would love to see him grab his first title at the hall. No Mahut as of now surprising as he would be a huge favorite
Jimmy the Gent · June 29, 2017 at 11:25 am
Jimmy the Gent writes:
@ scoop – that party animal with the nipple rings – haha…..yes, Dan evans has them…….what sort of wacky stuff ? and don't go into specifics but – which one(s) below was it related to ? 1. alcohol 2. drugs 3. sex (normal, gay, strippers ?) 4. dancing 5. driving 6. fighting