ITIA Suspends Ozolins and Kakhniuk Over Clostebol Tests

A Troubling Trend on the ITF World Tennis Tour

It’s a bad look for the sport, and frankly, I’m tired of seeing these headlines. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has officially issued provisional suspensions to Karlis Ozolins and Daniil Kakhniuk. Both players provided samples during an ITF World Tennis Tour event in San Jose, Costa Rica, back on February 17, 2026. The result? A positive test for clostebol, a substance that should have no place in a professional athlete's system.

These suspensions have been in effect since April 14, 2026. As of May 12, 2026, neither player has moved to file an appeal. When you look at the ATP rankings, these are guys fighting for footing—Ozolins at No. 744 and Kakhniuk at No. 1,112—but that is no excuse for cutting corners. Professional tennis demands integrity, and when you see positive tests, it undermines every player grinding out points on the tour.

The Clostebol Shadow and the Precedent of Discipline

We’ve seen this script before, and it’s getting old. This isn't an isolated incident; the substance clostebol has been at the center of anti-doping discussions for some time. Just look at the case of Italian player Stefano Battaglino, who is currently serving a four-year ban—not ending until January 31, 2027—for a positive test involving the exact same substance. It makes you wonder how much these players are actually paying attention to what goes into their bodies.

The system is meant to protect the integrity of the match, but when the testing catches people, it’s a black eye for the game. Whether you are ranked in the top ten or struggling to make a name on the circuit, the rules apply to everyone. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: clean tennis is the only tennis worth watching. If you can’t adhere to the standards set by the ITIA, you don't belong on the court.