Agassi joins Hingis in drugs hall of shame

Former world No 1 Martina Hingis tested positive for cocaine in 2007. Photo / AP

DOHA - Andre Agassi's devastating confession of his use of crystal methamphetamine is a devastating blow to his reputation, but the temptations of the tour have snared others over the years.

Former women's world No 1 Martina Hingis tested positive for cocaine at Wimbledon in 2007 and later announced her retirement.

The Swiss star, who won five grand slam titles, always maintained her innocence but was banned for two years, a suspension which ran out in October this year.

The ban cut short a comeback she began in 2006 after a three-year retirement.

"There were hard times and it was frustrating knowing I did nothing wrong but couldn't really fight this. It was my reputation and I knew the truth. But the process didn't really let me fight," Hingis told Sports Illustrated recently.

She continued to protest her innocence.

Had she ever taken cocaine?

"No. Never. No (recreational) drugs. I don't know even the effects. I've maybe been in a position where I could have.

If I had ever taken cocaine, I would have said so."

Former American wild-child Jennifer Capriati, a triple grand slam title winner, underwent rehabilitation after being arrested for possession of marijuana as the toll of being a teenage prodigy exacted a heavy price.

Only this year, French player Richard Gasquet was suspended for two and a half months after testing positive for cocaine.

The 23-year-old claimed he had picked up traces of the drug when he kissed a girl in a Miami nightclub.

"Justice has been done," said Gasquet, a former world number seven after his name was cleared.

"It has been terrible in the last two months, an extraordinary pain."

America's Vitas Gerulaitis is tennis' most tragic symbol of the dangers of drugs.

The former Australian Open winner admitted using cocaine in the 1970s.

He retired at 30 and was dead by the age of 40.

- AFP