Facundo Bagnis Accepts 12-Month Suspension After Positive Test for Hydrochlorothiazide

Argentine tennis player Facundo Bagnis has accepted a 12-month suspension imposed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after testing positive for hydrochlorothiazide. The sanction, which follows a positive sample during the 2025 US Open qualifying event, will keep the 36-year-old off the tour until October 17, 2026, according to the ITIA.

Contaminated Supplement Leads to Non-Intentional Violation

The ITIA confirmed that Bagnis tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic and masking agent listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. Following the result, Bagnis reported to the ITIA that he had identified a contaminated supplement as the source of the substance. To support this claim, the player provided the agency with records and documentation detailing communications with his physician.

Laboratory analysis of the product confirmed the presence of the prohibited substance. Based on this evidence and the player’s testimony, the ITIA determined that the anti-doping rule violation was not “intentional.”

Timeline of the Suspension and Legal Waiver

Bagnis first entered a voluntary provisional suspension on October 18 while the investigation into the positive sample was conducted. By accepting the 12-month ban this Monday, Bagnis waived his right to a hearing before an independent tribunal. This decision accelerates the finality of the sanction, which is now set to expire on October 17, 2026.

For readers unfamiliar with the process, a voluntary provisional suspension allows an athlete to step away from competition immediately while the governing body determines if a full ban is warranted, rather than waiting for a formal hearing to conclude.

Career Impact for the Argentine Veteran

The suspension comes at a late stage in the career of the 36-year-old Bagnis. A specialist on clay, Bagnis reached a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 55 in November 2016.

Hydrochlorothiazide is banned not only for its physiological effects but because it can be used to mask the presence of other performance-enhancing drugs in a player’s system, which is why the ITIA and WADA maintain strict protocols regarding its detection.

The next official checkpoint for Bagnis will be his eligibility to return to professional competition on October 17, 2026.

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