If Rusedski thought he had been dealt some cruel injury blows during his career, they were nothing compared to the shattering news he received in September 2003. As he prepared for a Davis Cup tie in Morocco, he was told he had tested positive for nandrolone.

At a hearing, held in his birthplace Montreal, Rusedski successfully argued that his positive test had the same "analytical footprint" as those of seven other players who had been cleared. The source was thought to be a supplement supplied by ATP trainers.

"It was very hurtful to be called a cheat on the front pages of the papers," said Rusedski. "I knew I was innocent from day one."