Japanese tennis player Kaili Demi Teso has been handed a 10-month suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for a breach of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP). The suspension follows a positive test for the prohibited substance methylephedrine, a stimulant found in an over-the-counter cough medicine.
The 19-year-old, who reached a career-high singles ranking of 1243 in June 2025, provided an in-competition sample at an ITF World Tennis Tour event in Mysuru, India, in October 2024. Analysis of the sample revealed the presence of the said substance listed in section S6.B of the 2024 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Teso admitted to the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) but argued that the positive test was unintentional. The player’s mother, who also acts as her manager, purchased the Japanese cough medicine Shin Lulu A Gold s on her behalf. As Teso’s first language is English, she was unable to read the Japanese script on the label, which listed the prohibited substance.
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An independent tribunal reviewed the case and ruled there was “No Significant Fault or Negligence” on the player’s part. The tribunal noted that Teso, who was 18 at the time, was an inexperienced player and that her mother had consulted a reputable pharmacist before purchasing the medication.
However, the tribunal also found that Teso could have taken additional steps to mitigate the risk. The player had received recent anti-doping education on the dangers of over-the-counter medications and could have sought further advice, especially as the medication was purchased prior to the event.
As a result, the tribunal issued a 10-month suspension, a reduction from the ITIA’s proposed 12-month sanction. The suspension is effective from August 7, 2025, and will conclude on June 6, 2026.
She will forfeit all results, prize money, and ranking points from the event in which she tested positive. During her period of ineligibility, Teso is barred from competing in, coaching at, or attending any professional tennis event sanctioned by the ITIA or any national association.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com