Murray Left Peeved at ATP Dope Testing System


AFP

Rotterdam, Feb 10: World number four Any Murray continued to criticise the ATP drug testing system on Monday after he underwent his third test in just over two weeks.

The Scot - who had to wait for 90 minutes to produce the specimen - said there was one system for the top players and another for the journeymen and said that had to change.

"This is the third time I've been tested over the past 16 or 17 days. And we still have to do that (declare our whereabouts)," moaned Murray.

The Scot continued his criticism of a draconian new ruling which since January 1 has irritated Top 50 players who are now required to report their whereabouts for at least one hour per day - every day of the year to international anti-corruption authorities via online, phone or even SMS.

"I don't understand why we have to do it during tournament weeks when we're being tested anyway. So many things could be done better. We're humans."

On opening day at the indoor event, Murray was corralled along with fellow doubles loser and new Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal for testing along with at least three others.

But despite eight testers on site at the Ahoy arena, only the one available doctor could do the actual test. That meant waiting one's turn under trying conditions.

"I feel quite strongly that there are a lot of flaws in the system, it can get much much better," said Murray.

"You've just finished a match and are desperate to go to the toilet.

"But I had to wait, you can't go before the test. We have ten and a half months of tennis and we're getting tested at least 25 times.

"Why is is that only the Top 50 have to do this whereabouts thing. What about number 51. If this is going to be done it should be done from the Futures level right through to the top.

"There is not much testing at the lower levels. Thirty times a year is enough to know if someone is trying to cheat."

Murray also said that he kept a light practise schedule last week in snowy London after picking up the light symptoms of a virus.

"I didn't want to let it linger on, if it's not taken care of properly it can get worse. I wanted to be sure I was in shape to play here," he said of the event where he lost in the first round in 2008.

"I didn't have much time off after Melbourne, but I didn't lose much rhythm I'm hitting the ball well." 

  

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Title: Murray Left Peeved at ATP Dope Testing System



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