A case of coincidence or perfect timing? Today as Guillermo Canas announced his retirement from the ATP tour to start a new life as a coach, one of his current pupils, Wayne Odesnik, pleaded guilty about knowingly importing a performance enhancing drug into Australia at the beginning of the year.
According to Reuters, Odesnik, currently ranked 98th in the world, was stopped by airport officials in Brisbane, Australia earlier this year where eight vials of human growth hormone were found during a search of his luggage. Odesnik pleaded guilty in an Australian court and was fined $7,286 US plus court costs. He could also face a two-year ban by the International Tennis Federation who has yet to review the case.
Meanwhile Canas, whose biggest claim to fame was defeating Roger Federer twice in one month in 2007 during Indian Wells and Miami, is no stranger to drug controversy himself. In 2005, Canas was suspended for 18 months by the ATP for taking a banned diuretic but was later cleared of all charges.
In addition to coaching Odesnik and up-coming juniors, Canas also plans to open a tennis academy in Florida. He did not issue a statement about the charges facing Odesnik.
Click here to read about more about the story. Click here to read an interview with Canas.
UPDATE Good update on the story from Matt Cronin. Apparently Canas claims he knew nothing about Odesnik’s drug use while fellow players did. Click here to read more.
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