Emma Raducanu reveals extreme lengths she went to avoid doping scare after Swiatek, Sinner cases

Emma Raducanu has revealed the extreme measures she has been taking to avoid any doping scare, following the shocking cases of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Both of them tested positive for banned substances in 2024, leaving the tennis world in disbelief.

Raducanu, Swiatek, and Sinner are all set to compete at the 2025 Australian Open and have been preparing for the tournament. The first Grand Slam of the year will take place from January 12 to 26.

Ahead of the Australian Open, the Brit sat down for a press conference and was asked about any concerns regarding doping tests following the recent cases. She revealed that she has been extremely cautious, even refusing to apply an antiseptic spray after being bitten by an insect, opting to deal with a swollen ankle and hand instead.

“I would say all of us are probably quite sensitive to what we take onboard, what we use. I mean, yesterday, for example, I got really badly bitten by I don't know what, like ants, mosquitoes, something. I'm allergic, I guess,” Emma Raducanu said.

“They flared up and swelled up really a lot (smiling). Someone was, like, giving me this antiseptic spray, natural, to try to ease the bites. I didn't want to take it. I didn't want to spray it,” she added.

The former US Open champion continued:

“I was just like left there with my swollen ankle and hand. I was, like, I'm just going to tough it out because I don't want to risk it (laughter).”

Emma Raducanu & Iga Swiatek could lock horns in Australian Open 2025 in 3R

Emma Raducanu pictured at the 2025 Australian Open | Image Source: Getty

Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek have been drawn in the same quarter of the 2025 Australian Open, with a potential clash on the horizon. The two have faced each other three times on the WTA Tour so far, with the Brit losing all of their encounters.

Raducanu will begin her campaign against 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, with a potential showdown against Amanda Anisimova to follow. If she advances, she could face Swiatek, and if successful, she would likely meet either 13th seed Anna Kalinskaya or 21st seed Victoria Azarenka on her path to the quarterfinals.

In the last eight, Raducanu's likely opponent could be either eighth-seed Emma Navarro or ninth-seed Daria Kasatkina. If she wins, she may face sixth seed Elena Rybakina or fourth seed Jasmine Paolini in the semifinals, with a potential final showdown against third seed Coco Gauff or top seed Aryna Sabalenka.