LOCAL NEWS:

Local Tea Partiers protest IRS

KEYWORD:

A   A   A

Posted: Monday, 05 November 2012 4:41AM

Roger Federer surprised by lack of blood testing in Tennis



LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer wants more blood testing done in tennis to help keep the sport clear of doping, the 17-times grand slam champion said on the eve of the ATP World Tour Finals.

Britain's newly-crowned U.S. Open champion Andy Murray raised the subject this week at the Paris Masters, suggesting there needed to be more out-of-competition checks.

World Tour Finals title holder Federer said his Scottish rival had a point.

"I feel I'm being less tested this time now than six, seven, eight years ago," the Swiss told a news conference at London's O2 Arena.

"I don't know the exact reasons why we are being tested less and at this moment I agree with Andy, we don't do a lot of blood testing during the year.

"I think it's important to have enough tests. I don't like it when I'm only getting tested whatever number it is, which I don't think is enough or sufficient during the year so I think we should up it a little bit or a lot," Federer added.

"It's key and vital the sport stays clean. It's got to. We have a good history in terms of that and we want to make sure it stays that way."

According to figures on its website the International Tennis Federation, the sport's governing body, carried out only 21 out-of-competition blood tests in the professional game in 2011.

Cycling's governing body the UCI carried out more than 3,314 out-of-competition blood tests in the same year.
Wimbledon champion Federer begins his quest for a hat-trick of titles in London against Serb Janko Tipsarevic on Tuesday.

Story Copyright 2012, Reuters
Photo Copyright 2012, Getty Images
Filed Under :  
Topics : Sports
Social :
Locations : London
People : Andy MurrayJanko TipsarevicRoger Federer

Sergio Garcia apologizes for 'fried chicken' jibe at Tiger Woods


Sergio Garcia has apologized after a "fried chicken" jibe aimed at Tiger Woods.

NFL owners choose sites for 2016, 2017 Super Bowls


NFL team owners voted for the two sites to host Super Bowls in 2016 and 2017.

Cavs win right to first pick in NBA Draft


The Cavaliers won the NBA Draft Lottery and the top overall pick for the second time in three years.

Manchester City and Yankees launch new MLS team


Manchester City and the New York Yankees have formed a new Major League Soccer team.

San Francisco favored to host 50th Super Bowl


San Francisco is favored to be named the host city for the 50th Super Bowl.

Bruins maul Rangers to claim 2-0 series lead


The Bruins took control midway through the second period to claim a 5-2 win over the Rangers.

Orb leaves Preakness in excellent shape


Orb trainer Shug McGaughey said his colt emerged from the Preakness Stakes in excellent shape.

Retired race car driver Dick Trickle found dead


Retired race car driver Richard "Dick" Trickle died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

David Beckham to retire from professional soccer


David Beckham will retire from professional soccer after the end of this season.

Heat beat brave Bulls to reach Eastern final


The Heat reached their third straight Eastern Conference final after a 94-91 win.

NBA denies bid to move Sacramento Kings to Seattle


The NBA denied a proposal to move the Sacramento Kings to Seattle.

Scandal-hit Rutgers names first female athletic director


Rutgers picked a woman to head its athletic programs.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather highest-paid U.S. athlete


Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the highest-paid professional athlete in the United States.

Spurs whip Warriors, on brink of West final


The Spurs routed visiting Golden State 109-91 to grab a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference.

Cabrera helps Blue Jays bring down Giants


Toronto's Melky Cabrera went 4-for-5 with two RBIs against his former team.