Mikael Imer, currently ranked 80th in the ATP Rankings (his highest was 50th), has announced his retirement from tennis at the age of just 24.

Mikael Imer retired from tennis at only 24 years old

Although he was not used or charged with the use of banned substances, the Swede received an 18-month ban for missing three anti-doping tests (April 22, August 10, 2021 and November 7, 2021) during the year (we are talking about anti-doping violations).

Shortly after this statement, Imer made a drastic decision and announced on social networks that he was ending his career in tennis.

“Hey guys, I’ve decided to retire from professional tennis. Thank you all for the great memories! What a trip it was! I wish all my old colleagues to go further in competitions” – Mikael Imer on X (formerly Twitter).

Mikael Imer, suspended for three failed doping tests in 2021

In July 2023, Imer declared that he was innocent and that the decision was offensive. Mikael claimed that he was punished too harshly, even though he had never used illegal substances.

The player said he was formally charged by the ITF in January 2022 with a potential anti-doping rule violation for missing three out-of-competition tests within a 12-month period.

Ymer claimed that he appealed and was found not guilty by an independent tribunal of three arbitrators (June 2022).

However, the ITF appealed and the Court of Arbitration for Sport decided to suspend the athlete for 18 months.