It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

… If you’ve been banned for a doping offense, that is.

As I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, Yanina Wickmayer’s one-year ban was lifted by a Belgian court, and the ITF has hence restored her eligibility to compete. She has accepted a wildcard into Auckland and is reportedly looking for one for the Australian Open as entries have now closed. It would be irritating if she had to play through qualifying, but I’m just so pleased she’s allowed to play again, although one would expect the decision to be appealed if it hasn’t been already.

Oh – and Malisse’s ban has also been suspended, although I don’t care so much about that.

Also having his stocking stuffed is Richard Gasquet, who after having his appeal upheld has now seen the ITF and WADA appeal denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sports.

CAS said yesterday that it was impossible for the player, even when exercising the utmost caution, to know that, by kissing a woman whom he had met in a totally unsuspicious environment, he could be contaminated with cocaine. “The amount of cocaine metabolite was so minute that it must have reflected incidental exposure, rather than use in the amounts commonly taken by users of social cocaine,” CAS said. “Furthermore, it established that the player was clearly not a regular cocaine user, even in very small amounts.”

source

Obviously the ‘Pamela defence’ is too hilarious not to be referred to frequently throughout the rest of little Richie’s career. But hopefully he can just get back to playing some good tennis now …