Iga Swiatek: World number two accepts one-month doping suspension
World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance.
The 23-year-old defending French Open champion tested positive for the heart drug trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024, when she was world number one.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) admitted that this was caused by contamination of the regulated over-the-counter drug melatonin, which Swiatek believed was manufactured and sold in Poland to relieve jet lag and sleep problems.
Therefore, Swiatek’s level of fault was considered to be at the lowest end of the “no gross fault or negligence” spectrum.
“For the past two and a half months I have been subject to rigorous ITIA proceedings which have confirmed my innocence,” she said on Instagram.
“The only positive doping test of my career, which showed incredibly low levels of a banned substance I had never heard of before, called everything I had worked hard for my entire life into question.
“My team and I have had to deal with a huge amount of stress and anxiety. Now that everything has been carefully explained, I can get back to doing what I love most.”
Swiatek was provisionally suspended from September 12 and subsequently successfully appealed, missing three games.
On September 22, the Polish player appealed against the provisional suspension and informed an independent tribunal that the source of the positive test had been identified as contaminated pharmaceuticals produced in his home country.
After tests confirmed Swiatek’s account, ITIA handed her a one-month suspension, which she accepted on Wednesday.
Since her interim suspension was lifted on October 4, Swiatek’s suspension will end on December 4, 2024.
The Pole was also forced to forfeit his bonus to play in the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open, which follows the test.
“I admit this situation hits me hard because I have worked my whole life to have a career that can serve as a role model for generations to come,” Swiatek added.
“I have a feeling that this situation could destroy the image I have built over the years, which is why I hope you can understand that I had no control over it and could not have done anything to prevent this unfortunate incident from happening.
“Without my supporters, I’m not sure I would have found the strength to keep fighting. Now that I have fought the toughest fight of my life, I hope you will stay with me and continue to support me.”
In addition to his fourth French Open title, Swiatek also won titles in Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid and Rome in 2024.
She missed the Korea Open (September 16-22), China Open (September 25-October 6) and Wuhan Open (October 7-13) – and was suspended during the registration deadline ).
ITIA did not disclose her provisional suspension as the player successfully appealed within 10 days of notification.
ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said: “Once the source of TMZ was identified, it became clear that this was a highly unusual example of a contaminated product that, in Poland, is a regulated drug.
“However, the product does not have the same name worldwide and the fact that the product is a regulated drug in one country is not in itself sufficient to avoid any degree of error. Taking into account the nature of the drug and all in this case, It really puts that error at the bottom of the scale.”
Swiatek’s suspension comes after men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner tested positive for lotibol in March.
Although ITIA admitted the 23-year-old Italian had “no fault or negligence”, the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) Appeal filed Filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) acknowledged the ITIA’s decision in a statement and offered Swiatek its “full support” during a “difficult time.”
The WTA added: “Iga has always demonstrated a strong commitment to fair competition and upholding the principles of clean sport, and this unfortunate incident highlights the challenges athletes face when it comes to the use of drugs and supplements.”
“The WTA remains firmly committed to a clean campaign and rigorous processes that protect the integrity of the competition.
“We also emphasize that athletes must take every precaution to verify the safety and compliance of all products they use, as even unintentional exposure to banned substances can have serious consequences.”
