ASB Classic star hit by doping ban

Just days after confirming entry at Auckland's ASB Classic, world no.18 Yanina Wickmayer has been banned from tennis for a year after failing doping regulations, Reuters news agency has reported.

Belga news agency reports that both Wickmayer and Belgian compatriot Xavier Malisse have been suspended by the Flemish Doping Tribunal (VDT) for failing to fulfill the controversial "whereabouts rule".

ASB Classic organisers had only recently announced the signing of the 20-year-old Belgian, who has risen rapidly through the ranks this year.

She surprised everyone by making the US Open semifinals in September, having been ranked lower than #70 last summer.

Wickmayer was accused of failing to tell national anti-doping authorities of her whereabouts on three occasions, breaking a new rule where tennis players are obliged to say where they will be at a chosen hour each day for a three-month period.

Auckland tournament director Brenda Perry told Newstalk ZB she was "stunned" and says Wickmayer's withdrawal would be a huge blow for the ASB Classic.

Both Belgian players can appeal their suspensions, said Reuters.