THE LOW DOWN: Martina Hingis officially banned from tennis for two years for doping

2 and out: Martina Hingis, who retired from tennis for a second time last season amidst accusations of doping and drug use, has been officially banned from the sport for 2 years. Though the Swiss Miss vehemently denied the allegations, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) is reporting an independent anti-doping tribunal has "rejected any suggestions there were doubts about her [urine] sample." Traces of cocaine were found in the 5-time Grand Slam champion's urine sample following a loss to Laura Granville at last year's Wimbledon.

Larry Scott, CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, has released the following statement regarding Martina's ban:

"As a signatory to the WADA Code and a founding member of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is committed to ensuring the integrity and competitive fairness of women’s professional tennis, and ensuring the heath and well-being of our athletes."

"The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to doping in sport, and fully supports the Tennis Anti-Doping Program, which is globally recognized as a world-class program in protecting the integrity of professional tennis. We support and will enforce the ruling of this independent tribunal under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program."

"All of this said, we are saddened by this news as Martina has meant so much to fans the world over and made many positive contributions to the sport."

(image via sportinglife.com)