Tennis star slapped with four-year ban blames kissing for positive drugs test

Tennis star Goncalo Oliveira has been slapped with a four-year ban following a positive drugs test. The 30-year-old tested positive for methamphetamine after providing a sample at the Manzanillo Open in Mexico last November.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that Oliveira argued his positive test had come about due to "contamination via kissing or environmental contamination." But an independent tribunal ruled that they were not presented with "clear, cogent, persuasive or concrete evidence" to back up the claim.

Oliveira, who was born in Portugal but represents Venezuela on the tennis court, was given a provisional suspension in January.

After receiving notice of a potential anti-doping rule violation, the tennis player explained in his defence: "On November 24, 2024 I was at a bar in the centre with a friend, where I met a woman. We danced and ended up sharing a few kisses.

"Shortly before meeting her, the woman consumed a pill of 'recreational drug' and had a drink. At the time, I was unaware of her having taken the drugs and only learned about it later when I contacted her [to] ask questions following my positive test.

"While I cannot confirm whether any physical contact or proximity with this woman could have contributed to accidental contamination, it is nonetheless a credible possibility that cannot be ignored or overlooked."

Oliveira requested a hearing, which was heard before an independent tribunal in London in September.

And he has ultimately been suspended until January 16, 2029, with the player already serving the first part of his four-year ban this year.

During his period of ineligibility, the talented star will not be able to play in, coach at or attend any tennis events sanctioned by any members of the ITIA.

Oliveira climbed to a career high ranking of No. 194 in the world at the end of 2017 but has since fallen to world No. 460.

The left-handed star has won 18 titles on the ATP Challenger Tour and ITF Futures Tour but has never competed at a Grand Slam.

The ace did come close to reaching the main draw at the French Open in 2018 after impressing on the clay. But he eventually lost to Bernard Tomic in the third qualifying round, with the Australian going on to lose to Argentine Marco Trungelliti in the first round of the main draw.

Oliveira also featured in the first round of qualifying at Wimbledon in 2018 and the first round of qualifying at the Australian Open in 2024.