Coria is backing Rusedski

Guillermo Coria, the world No5 from Argentina who was banned for seven months for testing positive for nandrolone three years ago, has given his backing to Greg Rusedski.

Rusedski, who claims contaminated food supplements were mistakenly given to him by ATP trainers, is awaiting the verdict of a tribunal held in Montreal three weeks ago.

Coria only had to wait for two weeks for his verdict but he said he can understand what the British No2 is going through.

"I hope Greg Rusedski comes out of it because I know what he's experiencing. I had contaminated vitamins and the ATP and players didn't believe it. It affected me very badly indeed and it was hard to get over it," Coria said.

The 22-year-old said many players feel Rusedski may be innocent but he did not get the same sympathy.

"When I was suspended a lot of players didn't think I had a long enough ban," he said. "It's difficult for me because players are rallying around him and they didn't rally around me."

Despite that, Coria agreed he would support any boycott if Rusedski were found guilty.

"Yes, I would sign a petition," he said. "Because of what happened I have taken no medication for two years, even if I am sick. I think it's not right because to play long hard matches just taking water is very hard."