Odesnik handed 2-year doping ban

The International Tennis Federation says American player Wayne Odesnik has been banned for two years for doping.

The 24-year-old Odesnik pleaded guilty in March to importing human growth hormone into Australia, but never tested positive for the drug.

But the ITF says it suspended Odesnik for possessing a prohibited substance “without a therapeutic use exemption.” His ban will start from December 29, 2009.

Odesnik was stopped by customs officers on January 2 when he arrived in Australia ahead of the Brisbane International, a warm-up for the year’s first Grand Slam event. Eight vials, each containing 6 milligrams of the performance-enhancing substance, were found in his baggage.