adminthat suggest possible doping.
The International Tennis Federation currently tests blood and urine.
“We feel that this is the most effective way to show the world that tennis is a clean sport,” said Brad Drewett, executive chairman and president of the ATP.
As with the current drug testing rules, the biological passports will not be compulsory but any athlete who refuses to take part in testing could face punishment.
The decision to introduce biological passports comes after the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme Working Group – comprised of representatives from the ITF, ATP, WTA governing bodies and Grand Slam tournaments – gave its backing.
The programme will see more blood tests conducted, particularly out of competition.
Questions have been raised by some of the sport’s top players in recent months about the drug-testing programme.
In 2012, there were 2,185 tests carried out – up slightly from 2,150 in 2011).
The vast majority examined urine samples – last year there were 124 in-competition blood tests and 63 out of competition. World number one Novak Djokovic recently described how the number of blood tests he undergoes has declined.
He said: “I wasn’t tested for the last six, seven months.
“It was more regularly in last two, three years ago. I don’t know the reason why they stopped it.” — BBC Sport
Online Reporter