Facundo Bagnis’ ban from tennis has been confirmed. (Image: Getty)
Argentinian tennis star Facundo Bagnis has accepted a huge suspension from the sport after breaching anti-doping rules. Bagnis, 36, was world No. 55 in the rankings but has been dealt a lengthy ban from tennis after voluntarily accepting a provisional suspension last year.
Bagnis tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic and masking agent on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list, during US Open qualifying 2025. He voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension, which is not mandatory for the substance, and issued a plea of innocence and plan to clear his name.
In November, a month after an investigation commenced, Bagnis informed the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that he had identified a contaminated supplement as the source of the positive test.
He claimed that the result derived from cross-contamination by a compound pharmacy in Argentina, which produced a vitamin supplement he used.
Bagnis insisted that he did not intend to cheat and did not knowingly ingest hydrochlorothiazide, claiming that his doctor prescribed a Bespoke Supplement, which, unbeknownst to him, was contaminated.
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At the beginning of 2026, the ITIA tested the product independently and confirmed the presence of hydrochlorothiazide, and that Bagnis’ explanation was possible.
They accepted that his violation was not intentional but still offered Bagnis a one-year suspension, which was accepted. The Argentine elected not to take up his right to a hearing before an independent tribunal.
Bagnis’ suspension began last year and will end on October 17, 2026.
At the time of the provisional suspension, Bagnis insisted he had “nothing to hide” and professed his innocence.
Facundo Bagnis accepted the suspension. (Image: Getty)
He issued a statement which read: “I want to tell you that I am going through one of the worst moments of my professional career, I recently received a notification from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on an anti-doping control that they performed on me during this year’s US Open.
“The examination showed the presence of a substance prohibited by WADA, hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic), and for that reason a disciplinary process was initiated. The news took me completely by surprise.
“From the first moment I am collaborating with the ITIA in a total and transparent way, to clarify everything as soon as possible. In addition, I decided to voluntarily accept the provisional suspension, in order to devote my full attention to this process and prove that I have nothing to hide.
“I want to make it clear that I would never consciously take something forbidden, that’s why I have full confidence in my innocence and that the truth will come to light, with a fair outcome.
“With a team of toxicologist doctors and lawyers who work with me, we suspect cross-contamination and soon we will get to know the truth, today is our first goal.
“I sincerely thank all those who accompany me from the first moment and trust in my integrity. Hugs to everyone. Facundo.”