Franceso Ricci Bitti Speaks!

ITF President Franceso Ricci Bitti has made the news a few times recently (both stories via DPA). As usual, he does not impress, but what would you expect from the man who installed Stuart Miller as manager of the tennis anti-doping program?

First, Bitti announced that the introduction of the biological passport has been delayed:

It was originally hoped to have the pass in place for the March tournament in Key Biscayne, Miami.
"We still have to adjust a few things. I don't know if we will have it ready in Miami," Ricci Bitti said.

Also, Bitti complained about the lack of action by governments with respect to anti-doping enforcement and the cost of doping controls:

"WADA is not working as well as expected, this is not fair. It should be a 50-50 operation. We are doing a lot more than our partners in governments, and they criticize sport because it is easier. But things don‘t work like that. I did not complain about WADA as an organization, but about communications, especially after the Armstrong case," Ricci Bitti said.

He noted the fight against doping is not easy for sports officials, mainly because it is very expensive and puts a lot of pressure on scarce resources.

"Doping tests cost a lot of money, and that is money we need for sports development. We need more concern from governments, and governments are not acting as was expected," he said.

Bitti should spend less time whining about what others may or may not be doing and more time increasing the effectiveness of the currently woeful tennis anti-doping program.

Better yet, Bitti should retire.