Tennis has been stunned by another doping case involving one of its most high-profile players after it was revealed Iga Swiatek has been given a one-month suspension.
The Pole was ranked world No 1 when she provided a sample containing the angina medication trimetazidine in an out-of-competition test on August 12.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted the player’s explanation that contaminated medication was the cause of the positive test, with a statement reading: “The ITIA accepted that the positive test was caused by the contamination of a regulated non-prescription medication (melatonin), manufactured and sold in Poland that the player had been taking for jet lag and sleep issues, and that the violation was therefore not intentional.”
The news comes only three months after it was revealed men’s world No 1 Jannik Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was deemed not to be at fault and was not suspended – although that has been appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Swiatek was provisionally suspended from September 22 until October 4 but, as with Sinner’s even briefer bans, that was not made public, with the three tournaments the 23-year-old missed attributed to personal matters and a change of coach.
The ITIA said: “As the player appealed the provisional suspension within 10 days of the notice and this appeal was successful, in line with the TADP (Tennis Anti-Doping Programme) rules, it was therefore not publicly disclosed.”
Swiatek must serve an additional eight days to December 4 to make up the month, while she also forfeits her prize money from the Cincinnati Open, the tournament directly following the test and where she reached the semi-finals.
The five-time Grand Slam champion, who won a third French Open title in a row in June and now ranked second in the world, described the period as “the worst experience of my life”.
Swiatek, who returned to competition at the WTA Finals and Billie Jean King Cup Finals, wrote on Instagram: “I’m finally allowed … so I instantly want to share with you something that became the worst experience of my life.
“In the last 2.5 months I was subject to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence. The only positive doping test in my career, showing unbelievably low level of a banned substance I’ve never heard about before, put everything I’ve worked so hard for my entire life into question.
“Both me and my team had to deal with tremendous stress and anxiety. Now everything has been carefully explained, and with a clean slate I can go back to what I love most. I know I will be stronger than ever.
“I’m leaving with you a long video and right now I’m just relieved it’s over. I want to be open with you, even though I know I did nothing wrong.
“Out of respect for my fans and the public, I’m sharing all the details of this longest and toughest tournament of my career. My biggest hope is that you will stay with me.”
The Sinner case caused much disquiet within tennis, with players and coaches citing their belief that he was treated differently because of his status, although this was strongly refuted by the relevant authorities.
The fact that another leading player has been able to keep a provisional suspension private is likely to add further grist to that mill, with Swiatek having the resources to quickly have her supplements and medications tested.
The WTA backed Swiatek, saying in a statement: “The WTA fully supports Iga during this difficult time.
“Iga has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fair play and upholding the principles of clean sport, and this unfortunate incident highlights the challenges athletes face in navigating the use of medications and supplements.”
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