Three tennis players slapped with suspensions and accused of breaching drugs rules

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that three tennis players have been provisionally suspended after failing doping tests. Conner Huertas del Pino, Mateo Barreiros Reyes, and Andres Urrea all provided in-competition samples while at the Bogota Challenger on May 14, 2025.

These were split into A and B samples, and the players' A samples were found to contain the anabolic agent boldenone, a prohibited substance under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. None of the players had a valid therapeutic use exemption for the substance. They have all since proclaimed their innocence in separate statements and are all working with lawyers to prove they did not knowingly ingest a banned substance.

Huertas del Pino, Barreiros Reyes, and Urrea received pre-charge notices from the ITIA on July 7 for an anti-doping rule violation and were provisionally suspended. They can apply to have their provisional suspensions lifted, but none have done so to date.

While serving their provisional suspensions, Huertas del Pino, Barreiros Reyes, and Urrea are banned from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by members of the ITIA.

This includes ATP, WTA and ITF tournaments, and events staged by Tennis Australia, the French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon, the USTA, or any national association.

Huertas del Pino, from Peru, has a career-high doubles ranking of No. 174 in the world and currently sits at No. 176. The 29-year-old issued a statement on his Instagram stories following the news of his provisional suspension, claiming he would never cheat.

"Today it became official that I have been temporarily suspended by ITIA, after testing positive for boldenone during the Challenger of Bogota. In the same tournament, two other tennis players also tested positive for the same substance. Same substance, same tournament, similar cases," he wrote.

"I would never dope or cheat to get a head start. It's not in my essence, nor in my values. Heartfelt thanks for all the messages of support. I trust that soon everything clears up and I can play again."

Barreiros Reyes hails from Brazil and reached a career-high doubles ranking of No. 310 last month. He has also released a strong statement protesting his innocence and suggesting he may have been contaminated by eating meat.

He wrote: "Receiving this news was a harsh surprise and since then, I have been collaborating with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) to clarify everything as transparent as possible.

"As is already public knowledge, boldenone is a substance widely used in animal husbandry in Colombia, which unfortunately has caused numerous positive tests involving professional athletes unintentionally, as happened with Robert Farah, Nicolas Zanellato, Giovanna Fernandes and many others.

"I reaffirm with all conviction that I have never intentionally used any prohibited substance and I am determined to prove my innocence based on evidence.

"I want to tell everyone that I'm sorry for this situation and the impact it can have on fans, colleagues and the sport I love so much. With the unconditional support of my family and my Defence team, led by lawyer Pedro Fida, I am committed to clarifying the facts and returning to the courts as soon as possible.

"I thank you in advance for the understanding and support of everyone who believes in my integrity and history in sports. I trust that the truth will soon come to the ear."

Urrea, 30, is ranked at No. 412 in doubles but has been as high as No. 239. The Colombian released a video on his Instagram account and said: "I was notified that I tested positive for boldenone.

"Boldenone is a banned substance in sports, but it is also commonly used to increase muscle mass in livestock. During the tournament, I consumed meat, and although the amount was small, everything seems to indicate that the positive result was due to that consumption.

"I want to clarify that at no time did I intentionally consume a banned substance. I believe in the values of sport and fair play. Tennis is my greatest passion. I would never betray the sport I love so much or the people who have believed in me throughout this process. I am currently working with my lawyer to prove my innocence and return to competition as soon as possible."

To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or newsletter