I am a completely clean guy: Nadal

The Spanish tennis star has never failed a drug test but has been the subject of speculation that he dopes

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a shot during a practice session, ahead of the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016. AP/PTI
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a shot during a practice session, ahead of the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016. AP/PTI
IANS California
Last Updated : Mar 10 2016 | 5:31 PM IST

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal said on Thursday that he is a "completely clean guy" and denied having used performance-enhancing drugs.

The 29-year-old was asked about his reaction to Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova's failed drug test and he took the opportunity to explain speculation about him.

"I am a completely clean guy. I have never had the temptation of doing something wrong," Nadal was quoted as saying by the BBC on Thursday.

"I believe in the sport and the values of the sport. It is an example for the kids and if I am doing something that goes against that, I will be lying to myself, not lying to my opponents."

Nadal has never failed a drug test but has been the subject of speculation that he dopes.

Nadal also said that Sharapova who tested positive for Meldonium a few days back deserves punishment.

"It is difficult to imagine that something like this can happen, but mistakes happen," he said.

"She should be punished. I want to believe it is a mistake for Maria. She didn't want to do it. But obviously it is negligence. She must pay for it", he added

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 10 2016 | 5:05 PM IST

Next Story