"Corruption is everywhere" - Amid Simona Halep's scathing remark on Iga Swiatek doping row, ex-ATP pro gives his bold take

Simona Haelp is one of the biggest names to have been critical of authorities’ handling of Iga Swiatek’s doping row. The Romanian, who herself was involved in a long legal battle after a failed test, has questioned the seemingly preferential treatment being given to the Pole.

Iga Swiatek, after testing positive for the Trimetazidine was found at “no significant fault” in the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s final doping report. She was subsequently let off with a one-month suspension, which did not go down well with Halep.

Amid the Romanian’s criticism, former Top-3 player Nikolay Davydenko, has now weighed in on the topic. On being asked about Halep’s allegations of being treated differently because of her country of origin, Davydenko said he did not view Romania (Halep’s home country) and Poland (Swiatek’s home) any differently.

He, however, was quick to add that corruption exits in all organisations and the Pole could have pulled some strings to get off with a one-month suspension.

"For me, Poland and Romania are two identical countries," Nikolay Davydenko said, "Ask anyone in Russia — no one perceives Poland. This is nonsense."

"I don’t know what the issue is: maybe sponsors, maybe money. Is it possible that the President of Poland decided the issue for Swiatek? Anything is possible, corruption is everywhere," he added.

Davydenko also spoke about the complex doping regulations in modern day sport, saying a player can get contaminated from any source, including medicines and food, at any given point. He, however, believed that such miniscule contaminations are unlikely to have an impact on the player's performance.

"You go to the pharmacy, take a pill for the bronchi, and there is salbutamol, which is considered doping," the Russian said. "You always need to be in contact with a sports doctor - this is such nonsense."

"You will not play better because of a pill. Tennis is tennis, you will not become number one in the world thanks to doping. It used to be easier to regulate doping, but now it has become worse," he added.

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"When I played, it was easier" - Nikolai Davydenko on doping regulations amid Iga Swiatek row

Iga Swiatek at the US Open 2024. (Source: Getty)

Nikolai Davydenko, in the wake of Iga Swiatek's recent controversy, also looked back at the doping regulations during his active years. He recalled things being simpler back in the day.

The Russian, who was ranked as high as World No. 3, said he would eat and drink freely during his years on the Tour without worrying about contamination. He went on to offer a critical view of the tightened restrictions, urging tennis' governing bodies to do better.

"Some kind of nonsense started," the Russian said. "When I played, it was easier. We were also pressed, but we took it normally. I wasn’t particularly worried, I drank and ate everywhere, without even thinking about the fact that I could use doping."

"I don’t know why they tightened the control so much — there is no result. The ATP needs to figure this out. Because in general, it is a very cool organization that is loyal to the players," he added.

Iga Swiatek, who last played at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, will return to competition Down Under at the start of the 2025 season. Before that, she is set to compete at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi.