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Tennis on the right track in anti-doping fight - Federer

Doping in sport has hit the headlines once again, but Roger Federer feels there has been good progress in tightening controls in tennis.

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Roger Federer is encouraged by the tightening of anti-doping controls in tennis, but has warned against any complacency in the ongoing fight against drug cheats.

The issue has been brought back into the spotlight following a two-part report into doping in athletics, produced by an independent commission set up by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

In addition, further developments are anticipated this month in relation to the notorious Operacion Puerto scandal, with a Spanish court set to rule on whether 200 blood bags can be destroyed.

Seventeen-time grand slam champion Federer believes great strides have been made to combat doping in tennis during his lengthy career.

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"I think tennis has a pretty good image, to be quite honest." said the Swiss.

"I think we should just make sure that remains the case. That's why I'm in favour for more.

"But I know you need a lot of money for that, go chase down all the guys all around the world, it's not an easy thing to do. You need the Olympic federations and all that. It becomes quite complicated.

"I think we're doing well, but there's always more you could do. I'm sure it's going to be more professional in 20 years' time, 50 years' time. It's going to be a different story again.

"I've seen the change in the last 15 years. It was very loose back in the day. Today it's much more tight, which is good to see."

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Federer will begin his bid to win a fifth Australian Open title on Monday, when he faces Nikoloz Basilashvili at Rod Laver Arena.

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