Iga Swiatek doping suspension: Pole tests positive for prohibited substance Trimetazidine in shocking update

Iga Swiatek has been handed a one-month suspension after failing a doping test in August 2024. The tennis player also accepted a provisional suspension before launching a successful appeal.

Swiatek tested positive for a prohibited substance called ‘Trimetazidine’ (TMZ) in an out-of-competition test conducted before the Cincinnati Open (August 12). After the result came back positive, the World No. 2 was provisionally suspended on September 12, which resulted in her missing the Korea Open, the China Open, where she was the defending champion, and the Wuhan Open. The ban was lifted on October 4 after a successful appeal, the ITIA revealed on Thursday, November 28.

According to the evidence provided, it was established that Swiatek, who is said to take non-prescription medication (melatonin) to regulate her stress and sleep, consumed a contaminated batch, which resulted in the positive test. The five-time Grand Slam champion, however, did not possess a valid TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption), leading to the provisional suspension.

The ITIA has determined that Iga Swiatek bore “no significant fault or negligence” and has thus been handed a one-month suspension, starting November 27. However, having already accepted a three-week provisional suspension, Swiatek now has to serve a ban of eight days through December 4. Additionally, the Pole has been stripped of the prize money she earned during her semifinal campaign at the Cincinnati Open.

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Iga Swiatek expected to kick off her 2025 campaign at the United Cup

Iga Swiatek-led Poland reached the final at the 2024 United Cup - Image Source: Getty

Considering Iga Swiatek's ban is set to be lifted by December 4, the former World No. 1 is poised to begin her 2025 journey by representing Poland at the United Cup (December 27- January 5).

The Pole's 2024 campaign reached its end at the Billie Jean King Cup, where Poland was beaten by eventual champions Italy in the semifinals. During the season, Iga Swiatek won five titles, including four WTA 1000 trophies—at the Qatar Open, the Indian Wells Open, the Madrid Open, and the Italian Open.

Her fifth title came at the French Open, where she was the two-time defending champion. Swiatek also clinched a bronze medal in singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Before commencing her 2025 journey in Australia, Swiatek is expected to compete at the World Tennis League exhibition event in Abu Dhabi (December 19-22). The lineup also includes the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Paula Badosa, Jasmine Paolini, Barbora Krejcikova, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev.