LONDON -- Serbias Viktor Troicki has been banned for 18 months for failing to provide a blood sample during an anti-doping test before the Monte Carlo Masters in April. The International Tennis Federation said in a statement Thursday that the 53rd-ranked Troicki had provided a urine sample, but not a blood sample, and therefore had violated anti-doping rules. His ban will end Jan. 24, 2015. Canada plays Serbia in Davis Cup in September. Troicki, who is competing at the Croatia Open this week at Umag, told a news conference on Thursday that "this is the toughest moment of my career and of my life." "I am innocent," he said. "I have never ever taken any prohibited substance or ever thought of doing so. I did not lie and this really hurts." Troicki had told an independent tribunal that he had been assured by the Doping Control Officer at the event that it would be acceptable not to provide blood as he had been feeling unwell that day, the ITF said. However, the tribunal ruled that the officer had in fact told Troicki "she could not advise him as to whether his reason for not providing a blood sample was valid, and that no such assurances were given by her. "Accordingly, the tribunal determined that Mr Troickis actions constituted a failure and a refusal to provide a blood sample, and that his explanation for not doing so did not constitute compelling justification..." In addition to the suspension, the ITF said Troickis results at the Monte Carlo Masters would be erased, and that he would forfeit both ATP ranking points and prize money from the event. Troicki lost his opening match at the tournament, going down 6-1, 6-2 to Jarkko Nieminen. Cheap MLB Jerseys . Haas said he "felt a lot of pain" in his right shoulder when he slammed his racket to the ground in frustration after losing his serve at 3-3 in the first set. Bo Jackson Jersey . Having already announced that the race will start May 9 with three stages in Northern Ireland and Ireland and finish in Trieste on June 1, the rest of the route was unveiled Monday. http://www.cheaproyalsjerseys.com/ .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. Alcides Escobar Jersey . 24 Baylor in a Big 12 clash between teams trending in opposite directions. Andrew Wiggins made 10-of-12 from the foul line and scored 17 for Kansas (14-4, 5-0 Big 12), which capped a stretch of four straight games against ranked opponents unscathed. Cheap Royals Jerseys Authentic . PAUL, Minn. The number of girls and women playing Australian rules football has soared, according to figures released by the AFL.Total female participation increased 19 per cent in 2016 to 380,041, AFL game and development manager Simon Lethlean said on Tuesday.The number of girls playing Auskick grew by 21 per cent and 354 new community club teams were launched in 2016, with females now accounting for 27 percent of all footballers.It comes as the new AFL womens league prepares to kick off its inaugural season in February, with a number of games expected to be played as curtain-raisers to the mens pre-season clashes.(Womens footy) has been the biggest growth part of our industry now for three or four years, Lethlean said.That momentum has taken off. There are recognisable role models now and a competition starting in February. We expect that to really keep on increasing and its an exciting part of our industry.Male participation was up 10 percent in 2016 to 1,024,135 but Lethlean said the somewhat softer growth was no cause for concern.I think our male growth is still solid ... 1.4 million (total) particiipants around Australia is a fantastic outcome.ddddddddddddWe intend for that to keep growing and we intend to keep investing, he said.The fixture for the seven-week womens competition has been finalised but is yet to be released, with the AFL working to lock in broadcast deals for the games.Melbourne marquee player Melissa Hickey said the AFL had become far more inclusive since her childhood.I grew up in the country, so I was the only girl in my grade five and six football team, she said.It probably wasnt quite the thing to do when I was a bit younger. I think thats the beauty of our womens league. Its becoming so common so the young kids know that pathway is there for them..Hickey also brushed off concerns female players could be at greater risk of concussion, with campaigner Peter Jess recently warning there was potential for a catastrophic injury.Were susceptible to the same injuries (as the men), Hickey said.It happens but its not something Im concerned about. Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys ' ' '