29 Jun 2010

Former world tennis number one in hospital after drug overdose

6:51 pm on 29 June 2010

The former world No.1 tennis player Jennifer Capriati is recovering in a Florida hospital following a drug overdose.

Capriati's family declined to identify the drug involved but says the 34-year-old American is in a stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

Capriati won 14 titles during her career including three Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal in 1992.

But her career was overshadowed by personal problems, including incidents of shoplifting and drugs, and she struggled with weight problems.

She was charged with cannabis possession in 1994 and spent time in a drug rehabilitation clinic before struggling to return to the game.

She finally battled her way back at age 25 and in October 2001 claimed the world number one ranking.

Her last hurrah was reaching the US Open semi-finals in 2003 where she lost to Justine Henin.

She never regained her form since that defeat and has not played following a shoulder injury suffered in 2004.