top of page

Former top 100 player cops 12-month ban following positive test

(Getty/Matthew Stockman)
(Getty/Matthew Stockman)

Argentinian tennis player Facundo Bagnis has accepted a 12-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance.


The 36-year-old, who hasn't competed on Tour since September last year, was found to have taken hydrochlorothiazide, which is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by heart, kidney, or liver conditions.


Listen to The First Serve Live every Monday at 8pm AEST in its 18th year on the SEN Network/App, Australia's only dedicated weekly tennis program on commercial radio running through till the end of November.


The former world No.55 took the banned substance during the 2025 US Open qualifying and entered a voluntary provisional suspension on October 18.


"In November 2025, Bagnis informed the ITIA that he had identified a contaminated supplement as the source of the substance found in his sample," an ITIA statement read.


"In support of this explanation, Bagnis provided detailed records and documentation, including copies of communication with his doctor, receipts of purchase, and independent expert reports.


"On medical grounds, Bagnis' doctor had prescribed a bespoke supplement and recommended a pharmacy for production, providing assurances of its safety and use by other professional athletes.


"In early 2026, the ITIA tested the product at an independent, World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory. The laboratory both confirmed presence of the substance and that Bagnis' explanation was possible."


The ITIA also noted that the conclusion was made that Bagnis' violation was "not intentional".


Because time served under the provisional suspension counts towards the ban, Bagnis is eligible to return on October 17, 2026.


Bagnis is not allowed to play in, coach at, or attend any events organised or sanctioned by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association.


Sports turf that meets the moment, every match. Trust GreenLife Group for surfaces that let you play at your best. Elevate your game with expert sports ground management at GLGCorp.com



bottom of page