ITF launches campaign to keep juniors drug-free

The International Tennis Federation launched a new campaign on Tuesday to keep junior tennis players drugs-free.

The campaign was unveiled at a news conference in Den Bosch in the run-up to Friday's Davis Cup quarter-final between The Netherlands and Germany.

The ITF campaign, co-financed by the European Union, will highlight some of the physical side effects of steroid abuse, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver and kidney disease and high blood pressure.

"This is an important campaign. There are many pressures to win when you start out on the junior circuit," Russia's Anna Kournikova said.

"The dangers of taking drugs may not be known to young people and I hope that the ITF campaign will help change that. Drugs do not have a place in sports."

Men's world number two Gustavo Kuerten said: "The side effects of taking anabolic steroids can be very serious and in some cases fatal.

"I hope that the ITF campaign will ensure that aspiring young players are aware of the dangers and consequences of taking performance-enhancing drugs."

ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "Professional tennis has had few problems with drug abuse and it is our intention to continue to keep our sport clean.

"We hope that this campaign will reinforce to junior players that drug abuse is a danger to their health.

"The virtual absence of drugs at the professional level sets a good example for the junior player but sometimes something stronger, like this campaign, is needed to make the point."