Marin Cilic suspended for nine months for doping violation

London: The International Tennis Federation says Croatian player Marin Cilic has been suspended nine months for a doping violation.

The suspension was back-dated to May 1, so Cilic will be able to return to the tennis circuit on January 31.

Cilic tested positive for nikethamide, a stimulant, in Munich.

The ITF says an independent tribunal found that Cilic "ingested the nikethamide inadvertently as a result of taking the Coramine glucose tablets, and did not intend to enhance his performance in doing so."

Cilic has not played since withdrawing from Wimbledon in June.