'Not the end of my story': Banned Aussie 'devastated' after accepting 10-month ban

Thomas Fancutt (left) has received a 10-month suspension by the ITIA. (Thomas Fancutt/Instagram)

A "devastated" Thomas Fancutt has broken his silence after copping a 10-month ban as a result of "unknowingly" violating Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).

In the past 48 hours, the 30-year-old Australian has accepted the suspension handed down by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after admitting to receiving an intravenous infusion over the accepted limit on December 3 2024.

The limit under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) and TADP is 100mL in a 12-hour period.

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Fancutt, who reached a career-high doubles ranking of No.107 just one day before the intravenous infusion on December 3 last year, entered into a voluntary provisional suspension in March this year.

"Following a full investigation by the ITIA... Fancutt admitted to the breach, and the ITIA accepted that the breach was not intentional," part of the ITIA's statement read.

"The ITIA considered relevant precedents across all WADC-compliant sports, in addition to the player's early admission and full co-operation."

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Allowed to speak publicly since the conclusion of the investigation, Fancutt explained the situation in detail, expressing his disappointment.

"To the International tennis community, at the end of my 2024 season, I unknowingly violated an anti-doping rule by receiving a 500ml IV infusion to combat severe fatigue," he wrote on social media.

"The contents of the infusion were solely Vitamin B, Vitamin C and magnesium. The IV infusion amount however exceeded 100mls which regardless of its content is prohibited under anti-doping regulations, something I was completely unaware of at the time.

"I have always taken great pride in being a clean athlete, and this situation has been devastating for me. While I am deeply disappointed by the suspension, I remain fully committed to the sport and look forward to returning to competition as soon as this matter is resolved.

"During the time, I am fully cooperating with the ITIA and am incredibly grateful for the support of the PTPA and everyone standing by me. I appreciate your understanding and support, and I can't wait to be back on tour."

He also reshared a reel to his Instagram story, writing: "Over the past seven months, I have had to face one of the most challenging periods of my life. But it's not the end of my story. Comeback loading for 2026."

Time served under the voluntary provisional suspension is included for the period of ineligibility, meaning Fancutt's suspension will end on January 18 2026.

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