Tennis athlete Goncalo Oliveira faces a four-year suspension for a failed drug test. The 30-year-old tested positive for methamphetamine after a sample was collected at the Manzanillo Open in Mexico last November.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that Oliveira attributed his positive test to potential contamination through kissing or environmental factors. However, an independent tribunal found insufficient evidence to support this claim.
In an official statement, the ITIA announced the forfeiture of Oliveira’s results, prize money, and ranking points from the event where the violation occurred, as well as subsequent events during his suspension period.
Oliveira, originally from Portugal but representing Venezuela in tennis, received a provisional suspension in January.
After being notified of a possible anti-doping rule violation, Oliveira presented his defense, recounting an encounter at a bar where he unknowingly had physical contact with a woman who had consumed drugs.
Despite requesting a hearing to present his case, Oliveira’s suspension was upheld by an independent tribunal in London. His ban will last until January 16, 2029, with the player currently serving the initial phase of the four-year penalty.
Throughout his ineligibility period, Oliveira is prohibited from participating in, coaching at, or attending any ITIA-sanctioned events. His world ranking has dropped from a peak of 194 in 2017 to 460.
Oliveira has a history of success in the ATP Challenger Tour and ITF Futures Tour, securing 18 titles. However, he has not competed in any Grand Slam tournaments.
In 2018, Oliveira narrowly missed qualification for the French Open main draw but was defeated by Bernard Tomic. He also participated in qualifying rounds at Wimbledon in 2018 and the Australian Open in 2024.
