Ulihrach could return to competition as early as next week

Ulihrach's lawyer said the player, who has already served nine months of his ban, is examining his options.

"It is possible that we will file for lost earnings and damages to his good name," Jiri Balastik told the Czech daily Mlada Fronta Dnes.

Ulihrach tested positive for nandrolone at a tournament in Moscow last October and was handed a two-year ban, fined $43,770 and docked 100 ranking points.

However, a tribunal revealed an electrolyte replacement product routinely given to players by ATP trainers may have been contaminated by nandrolone.

The ATP immediately dropped all charges and said it did not expect the player to enter into legal action.

We do not expect any legal dispute here ATP chief executive Mark Miles ATP takes blame for dope tests

"Given the circumstances we reacted as responsibly as we could - we immediately investigated it, took the information that we had and disclosed it to everybody affected including Bohdan and his attorney," said Mike Miles, the ATP's chief executive.

"Our energies have been focused on how we can get Ulihrach back to playing through entering into tournaments.

"All of the penalties that were originally invoked have been removed, that includes any fine amounts.

"We do not expect any legal dispute here."

Ulihrach said he was looking forward to his return to competitive tennis, which could come as early as next week.

"I'm happy that it has been shown that I never took anything," the former world number 22 said.

"This whole ordeal was a period in my life that I wouldn't wish upon anyone.

"If it is possible, I'd like to go to Amsterdam on Friday. The ATP has some wild cards in its possession for next week's tournament, and I'd like to be there, or maybe Stuttgart."

Ulihrach has seen his ranking drop from 76 to 228 during his enforced absence, but the ATP is expected to allow him to return to tournaments with the ranking he held before the punishment was imposed.

The 28-year-old was one of seven players who tested positive for nandrolone between August 2002 and May this year, according to the ATP.

The six other players suspected of doping are to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.