The end of Rusedski?

Greg Rusedski has admitted that today's first-round defeat in the Australian Open could be his last appearance in tennis.

Britain's No2 slumped to a crushing straight-sets loss against Albert Costa after severe illness had stopped him from practising in the build-up to the match.

Rusedski, whose next court appearance will be in front of a three-man tribunal in Montreal on 9 February looking into his positive drug test for nandrolone, was a shadow of his normal self on Court Two where he lost 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to the former French Open champion.

If Rusedski fails to prove his innocence, the British No2 could be banned for two years and that would end his career.

A subdued Rusedski said: "I have had a fever and gastroentiritis since Saturday and I have hit tennis balls for just half an hour going into the match . A lot of players have been suffering with this problem - including one of the tournament doctors.

"It's only human nature to think about what could be the future because of the tribunal hearing. I will be in contact with my lawyer to see what's going on and continue preparing my case. In this situation, you are going to deal with the realities that are put in front of you." Rusedski admitted the six players who remained anonymous after testing positive alongside Bohdan Ulihrach - who was named and banned - would become the focus for his defence team, and he appealed to them to reveal their identities.

"I only know one of the seven and that's Ulihrach and I believe they are innocent.

"It would be nice to receive the information and all the players I have spoken to since the news broke about my test have been on-side.

"I am hoping some of the six will come forward and help me because they have been put in a similar situation."

Ulihrach had his ban overturned when the ATP tour claimed its own trainers had been handing out supplements that could have caused the nandrolone levels in the positive tests. The names of the other six players have remained a mystery.

Rusedski's legal team expect Ulihrach to appear on their client's behalf in Montreal.

"He said he is willing to do anything he can to help me," added Rusedski, who cannot fly home to London until he has fully recovered later this week.