The doping controversy surrounding US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova is far from over.
"I will stand up and clear my name," Kuznetsova said.
Kuznetsova and the WTA authorities were fuming at the start of this season over an alleged doping charge surrounding three of the players, including the Russian champion.
Kuznetsova was implicated in the doping row after Belgian sports minister Claude Eerdekens revealed that an unidentified player had failed a dope test during an exhibition tournament in Charleroi.
Of the four players who participated in the exhibition event, former world no.1 Justine Henin-Hardenne the defending champion here was cleared, thus throwing the spotlight on the other three, namely Kuznetsova, fellow Russian Yelena Dementieva and Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy.
The A sample tested positive for the substance ephredine and results of the B sample are still awaited.
"It's definitely not over. This will go on for a while I suppose. My people [family and friends] are backing me to the hilt. My team of agents and lawyers are also in the process of going on with the case," she disclosed.
"You can see for yourself whoever is guilty and whoever is not," Kuznetsova said.
The Russian, who won her first Grand Slam at the US Open last year, also charged fellow players on the tour for fermenting the atmosphere further.
"There is a lot of jealousy on the tour among certain players," Kuznetsova said without mentioning names.
"And when you hear what others have to say about you, you get a fair idea of whoever is jealous and who is not," she shrugged.
"Initially when the row broke out, I was nervous. But I think I have stood strong and tall out there, and I have come out stronger and wiser after all this," Kuznetsova smiled.
The doping allegations also helped Kuznetsova to know her true friends. "Most of them stood by me and supported me," the Russian stated.
But one particular player who came out stronger in favour of Kuznetsova was Alicia Molik. "She sent me a SMS saying that she's willing to come out openly and support me. That felt nice and I knew I had a true friend," Kuznetsova said.
"People were with me, and I learnt that people also have a heart."
