Errani blames dodgy tortellini for failed drugs test

Sara Errani has blamed her mum’s dodgy tortellini after failing a drugs test. The Italian, currently ranked 98 in the world, has been banned for two months after testing positive for the drug letrozole.

Letrozole, primarily used in cancer treatment, can also be used by athletes to increase body mass. According to experts, there is little evidence that it can improve performance in a tennis player.

Errani failed the out-of-competition test on 16 February. The Italian argued that she had accidentally ingested the substance after eating contaminated food while visiting her parents. Her mother, who has previously suffered from breast cancer, is believed to either dropped or spilled the medication while preparing dinner.

DID YOU READ? Is slamless Pliskova a legitimate No.1?

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) agreed with Errani’s defence, an independent tribunal deciding that the former French Open finalist should only serve a two month ban.

As a result, Errani will forfeit all prize money and points earned between 16 February and 7 June (when tests showed the drug was out of her system). In addition, she will be suspended from competition from 3 August to 3 October.

“I never took, in my life and during my career, any prohibited substance,” Errani said in a statement released on social media (in Italian).

pic.twitter.com/EcM2Bvu3ax

— Sara Errani (@SaraErrani) August 7, 2017

“I am extremely disappointed but at the same time at peace with my conscience and aware I haven’t done anything wrong.”