Dan Evans to return from one-year drugs ban at Glasgow Trophy Challenger
"I am now committed to training hard, resuming my career and getting back to where I was, although appreciate this will take time"
Monday 16 April 2018 14:53, UK
Dan Evans will make his competitive return from a one-year drugs ban at the Glasgow Trophy Challenger after being awarded a wildcard into qualifying by the Lawn Tennis Association.
Evans tested positive for cocaine at the Barcelona Open last April, three months after he recorded a career-best run to the fourth round of a Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
The former world No 41, who had been granted access to LTA facilities and support from the sport's governing body to help his return, was free to return to tournament tennis on April 24.
I have learned a lot about myself in my time away from the game, a sport that I love very dearly"
Evans, 27, praised the support he had received during his suspension ahead of his return in Scotstoun from April 28 - May 6
"I have learned a lot about myself in my time away from the game, a sport that I love very dearly," Evans said.
Trending
- Amorim has 'no idea' how long it will take to turn Man Utd around
- Papers: Man Utd hesitant on triggering Carreras' £25m buy-back clause
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Amorim's managerial replacement at Sporting sacked
- Liverpool latest: Klopp still contacts the Liverpool team, says Jones
- Hits and misses: No stopping Liverpool, Chelsea have a lot to learn
- World Darts Championship schedule: Bunting, Price, Humphries headline Friday
- Slot: Man City's drop-off shows it’s too early to celebrate
- Man Utd latest: The damning stats behind Amorim's start as head coach
- Tottenham latest: Ange leaves press conference after just 150 seconds!
- Salah caps off Liverpool comeback win after early Leicester strike
"I am now committed to training hard, resuming my career and getting back to where I was, although appreciate this will take time.
"If there is a lesson to be learned here it's that it is every athlete's responsibility for what they put into their bodies."
The LTA confirmed the decision to award Evans an opportunity of an immediate return to the sport was made after the 27-year-old had passed "agreed checks".
"The LTA condemns any form of doping, which has no place in our sport. We have been having regular contact with Dan and he has shown genuine commitment to getting his tennis career back on track," LTA performance director Simon Timson said.
Live ATP Masters Tennis
"Dan has reflected on his experience over the last year, and has begun to support the development of the LTA's anti-doping education materials to help emerging young players avoid similar mistakes.
"Our continued support will be entirely dependent on a non-negotiable commitment to ongoing monitoring."
Watch coverage of the ATP Monte Carlo Rolex Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports Arena.
Keep up to date with the latest on www.skysports.com/tennis with news, previews, live blogs, reports and expert analysis. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.
