Odesnik never tested positive for HGH despite taking eight vials into Australia

American Wayne Odesnik has had a two-year doping ban suspended after 12 months, allowing him to return to action from 29 December.

Odesnik admitted in March to taking human growth hormone into Australia.

An International Tennis Federation (ITF) ban - backdated to 29 December - followed but that has now been halved.

The ITF decision followed "substantial assistance provided by Mr Odesnik in relation to the enforcement of professional rules of conduct".

Odesnik, a former world number 77, was ranked 111 in the world when his original ban was set in April but has now slipped off the ATP rankings altogether.

He 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, although he never tested positive for HGH.

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