Rusedski's appeal blow

Any faint hopes that Greg Rusedski harboured that his hearing in Montreal over a positive drug test for nandrolone could be avoided has disappeared.

His defence team are studying the ATP's reasons for bringing Rusedski before the hearing, which will now decide over whether the British No2 faces a two-year ban that would effectively end his tennis career.

Rusedski's legal team were hoping his very public defence against the charge would force the ATP to soften their stance but they stand firmly behind the positive drug test.

The next step for Rusedski will be his personal appearance before a three-man hearing on Monday in the city of his birth. A verdict will be delivered within 10 days of that hearing.