Five-time grand slam winner Iga Świątek suspended after testing positive for prohibited substance
3 min read
Polish tennis star Iga Świątek has been handed a one-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, trimetazidine, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Thursday. Świątek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, accepted the suspension, which followed a positive test for the prohibited substance, a metabolic modulator banned in and out of competition.
The ITIA noted that Świątek’s “level of fault” was assessed to be on the “lowest end of the range for ‘No Significant Fault or Negligence.’” It was determined that the positive test result came from contamination in a non-prescription medication, melatonin, which Świątek had been using to treat jet lag and sleep issues. The ITIA accepted her explanation that the violation was unintentional.
The suspension, which began on September 22 and lasted until October 4, caused Świątek to miss three tournaments. As part of her sanction, she forfeited the prize money she earned at the Cincinnati Open, the tournament immediately following the positive test. A total of eight days remained on her suspension when it was officially confirmed.
Trimetazidine, the substance in question, is used primarily to treat heart conditions but is banned in sports due to its potential to enhance endurance. Though it does not act as a stimulant, it can improve an athlete’s ability to sustain physical activity over long periods.
Świątek, who is currently ranked No. 2 in women’s tennis, expressed her shock and confusion in a video posted to social media. “It was a blow for me, I was shocked, and this whole situation made me very anxious,” she said. “At first, I couldn’t understand how that was even possible and where it came from.” The 23-year-old athlete immediately began working with the ITIA and ran tests on her nutritional supplements and medications, eventually discovering that the melatonin she had been taking was contaminated with trimetazidine.
Świątek described the ordeal as one of the most difficult experiences of her life, adding that it had been emotionally taxing. “This experience taught me a lot,” she said, emphasizing the personal toll it had taken on her. “The worst part of it was the uncertainty.” She also revealed the emotional challenges she faced returning to training after the incident, noting that it nearly “broke my heart.” Despite the hardship, she expressed her determination to move forward, urging her fans to continue supporting her.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a statement, acknowledging that it would review the ITIA’s decision. A WADA spokesperson confirmed that the agency would assess the case and, if necessary, pursue an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) expressed its full support for Świątek, praising her commitment to fair play and clean sport. “Iga has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fair play and upholding the principles of clean sport,” the WTA said in a statement. The association also emphasized the importance of athletes taking every precaution to verify the safety of the products they use, highlighting the significant consequences of even unintentional exposure to prohibited substances.
Świątek’s career includes four French Open titles and a US Open victory in 2022. Her suspension has put a temporary halt to her dominant run in tennis, but her acceptance of responsibility and the ITIA’s acknowledgment of the accidental nature of the violation have shaped public opinion. Moving forward, Świątek’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face in navigating the complex world of doping regulations, and the critical importance of verifying the safety of all substances they consume.
This incident will undoubtedly stay with her, but Świątek has vowed to continue working hard and focusing on her game, with the unwavering support of her fans and the tennis community.
About The Author
