January 19: Courier told a news conference today he was more concerned about blood doping in the sport than steroids. ``I'm much more inclined to have a concern for something that we cannot test for under the current system of testing, which is blood doping,'' Courier said.

Blood doping, involving blood transfusions to boost an athlete's crucial red cell count, is usually linked to endurance sports such as cycling and cross-country skiing.

The hard-hitting American, once one of the fittest men in the sport and winner of four Grand Slam titles, said he was unable to perform at his peak through the long schedule of events in the year and doubted others could.

``I can't play 35 weeks a year, God knows how many matches, and keep going,'' he said. ``I just can't do it, and I don't think anybody else can either. But they are.''

By increasing haemoglobin levels, blood dopers are able to process more Oxygen during exertion. There are currently no tests used to prevent it,although International Olympic Committee hopes to introduce one before Sydney 2000 Games.

``It's clearly prevalent in European sports and most of our tour is in Europe,'' Courier said. ``By deduction-- and I'm throwing darts, I have no proof, can't name names, I wouldn't bother naming names-- it just seems a logical way for a player to improve themselves.''

Courier has led a chorus of player complaints against the lenient treatment Korda received after he tested positive for steroid at Wimbledon last year.

The 30-year-old Czech faced a minimum one-year ban for steroid use, but escaped with a fine and loss of points after telling an international tennis federation panel he had not knowingly taken the drug. The ITF itself is appealing its panel's decision.

``I don't think anyone here or in the locker room or anywhere else will disagree with me when I say that if you test positive for steroids, you should be out of the game,'' Courier said.

He said Korda had escaped lightly because of a change in therules last year. He said it was ironic it was the spindly Korda who tested positive for a banned steroid.

Courier said he was disappointed Korda had not stood up and defended himself at a players' meeting that discussed the doping issue in Melbourne on Saturday. ``If I were innocent you couldn't prevent me from getting up and speaking,'' Courier said.