sport news Verdasco, 39, accepts two-month ban for breaching anti-doping rules by using a ... trends now Former world No 7 Fernando Verdasco, 39, accepts two-month ban for breaching anti-doping rules by using a drug to treat ADHD... as tennis great Pam Shriver voices concerns over the use of meds to improve concentration Verdasco tested positive at an ATP Challenger event in Rio in February He did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the medication International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted his 'violation was inadvertent' Fears that other players are on meds to help sharpen focus and concentration By Mike Dickson for the Daily Mail Published: 22:46 GMT, 30 November 2022 | Updated: 22:46 GMT, 30 November 2022 Viewcomments Former world No 7 Fernando Verdasco has been banned from tennis after being found to have used a drug to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The revelation of his suspension has aroused fears that he may not be the only player employing an aid to improve concentration during matches. Former top American player Pam Shriver, and current world No 38 Reilly Opelka both voiced concerns that its use is more widespread than officially acknowledged. The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced that Spain’s Verdasco, still ranked 125 after a long and successful career, had been found with Methylphenidate in his system back in February, at a tournament in Rio de Janeiro. Only now has it been revealed that he did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption, with him explaining to investigators that he had forgotten to renew the certificate for the medicine. Fernando Verdasco tested positive at an ATP Challenger event in Rio in February His explanation that his doctor has prescribed it for an ongoing condition, and that it was merely a case of him being forgetful, was accepted by the ITIA, who reduced the possible sanction from two years to two months. Both Shriver, now a respected commentator, and Opelka stated that the outcome raised broader questions. ‘Through grapevines of pro tennis, I hear that many players are on ADHD meds to help sharpen focus and concentration in a manner that brings up integrity questions,’ said Shriver on social media. Opelka also tweeted on the matter. ‘One of the biggest issues in tennis. Why are guys taking Adderall (ADHD medication) for the first time in their life as adults? Legal doping,’ he said. International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted Verdasco's 'violation was inadvertent' Since the positive urine test was taken in Brazil Verdasco – who made the Wimbledon quarter final in 2013 – has been able to play 26 tournaments. His brief suspension coincides with the off season and he will be eligible to resume playing on January 8. It is understood that the ITIA and their equivalent in other sports are looking increasingly closely at the use of ADHD medication, with an increase being seen in the number of TUE applications for it. A spokesperson for the ITIA told Sportsmail: ‘There are very strict WADA rules in place regarding ADHD which tennis is compliant with - including the need for athletes who are prescribed with ADHD medication to have a valid TUE in place. The use of ADHD medication is monitored extremely closely and this case demonstrates the importance of players being aware of the rules and processes. ‘In light of this, we will be contacting all ATP, WTA and ITF players to outline the position of the sport concerning ADHD medication. We want to ensure that those who have the condition and require the medication to function, can do so. However, we also want to make sure that the medication and process are not abused.’ Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility