Odesnik was fined nearly �5,000 for taking HGH into Australia

American Wayne Odesnik has been banned for two years for doping, the International Tennis Federation announced on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old world number 114 pleaded guilty in March to taking human growth hormone into Australia, although never tested positive for HGH.

The ITF said it suspended Odesnik for possessing a prohibited substance "without a therapeutic use exemption."

The start of the ban has been dated back to 29 December 2009.

Odesnik was stopped by customs officers on 2 January when he arrived in Australia ahead of the Brisbane International tournament and was subsequently fined Aus$8,000 (£4,850).

Eight vials, each containing six milligrams of the performance-enhancing substance, were found in his baggage.

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