Rafael Nadal Denies Substance Abuse, Says ‘I’m A Completely Clean Guy’

After being asked about his reaction to Maria Sharapova failing a drug test, 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal took the opportunity to address rumors that he has used performance-enhancing drugs.

Rafael Nadal Denies Substance Abuse, Says ‘I’m A Completely Clean Guy’

“I am a completely clean guy,” said the 29-year-old Spaniard, who also stated he was “a little tired” of the rumors.

“I have never had the temptation of doing something wrong,” Nadal said, adding, “It is an example for the kids and if I am doing something that goes against that, I will be lying to myself, not lying to my opponents.”

Nadal has never actually failed a drug test, but has nevertheless been the subject of speculation that he dopes.

Nadal said he has taken advantage of some new treatments for his knee problems, like stem-cell therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, often known as blood spinning. He also admitted that the first time he did PRP, “it worked fantastic,” but then the second time, it was not nearly as effective, and in fact he was forced to stop playing tennis for seven months.

Nadal also stated that he trusts a doctor to monitor what type of medication he takes.

“He has been the doctor for all the Spanish players for a number of years,” he said. “I would never take nothing that he doesn’t know about.”

Sharapova, former world number one, announced on Monday that she failed a drug test at the Australian Open in January. She tested positive for meldonium, which was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned drugs this year.

Nadal said Sharapova deserved to be punished as an example to others.