Iga Swiatek facing shocking doping ban soon after Jannik Sinner controversy raises questions from tennis insider

The tennis world has been shaken by the revelation of Iga Swiatek's failed doping test, just months after news broke about Jannik Sinner's failed tests. A tennis insider reacted to Swiatek's case, raising concerns about the testing procedures.

In August, it was revealed that Jannik Sinner had failed two doping tests conducted in March. The Italian was found not at fault by the ITIA and an independent tribunal, avoiding substantial provisional suspensions due to the early acceptance of his appeals.

However, the case has now been appealed by WADA, which is seeking a two-year ban for the current World No. 1.

Meanwhile, on November 28, the tennis world was rocked by the news of Iga Swiatek’s one-month suspension following a positive doping test for trimetazidine (TMZ) in August.

The ITIA confirmed that an out-of-competition sample collected in August showed traces of TMZ. Swiatek served a provisional suspension starting September 12, missing three events during this period.

The ITIA deemed the violation unintentional after Swiatek explained the contamination occurred through melatonin, a non-prescription sleep aid commonly available in Poland. Her physician had recommended the supplement to address sleep issues and jet lag.

Reacting to the incident, Jon Wertheim, a tennis insider, remarked:

"Inasmuch as there is good news here, there seems to be no disagreement that this was a case of contamination…. But for the second time in roughly 100 days, jeez, are there process questions that need to be raised and answered…"

The recent doping controversies involving the men's World No. 1, Sinner, and the former women's World No. 1, Swiatek, have sparked broader concerns about the consistency and transparency of anti-doping protocols in tennis. Both players tested positive for banned substances but faced significantly different rulings.

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"This whole situation made me very anxious" - Iga Swiatek reflects on positive doping test

Iga Swiatek at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals (Image: Getty)

Shortly after the ITIA announced her acceptance of a one-month ban, Iga Swiatek addressed the situation in a video posted on her Instagram. She revealed the shock and anxiety she felt upon learning that her anti-doping sample had tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a substance she had "never heard about before."

"On September 12 I learned that my anti-doping test sample, collected on August 12 - so, before the Cincinnati Open - tested positive. It was a blow for me, I was shocked and this whole situation made me very anxious. At first I couldn't understand how that was even possible and where it came from," Iga Swiatek said.

"It turns out testing revealed historically lowest levels of TMZ, a substance I've never heard about before. I don't think I even knew it existed, I have never encountered it, nor did people around me. So I had a strong sense of injustice and these first few weeks were very chaotic. We instantly reacted and cooperated with the ITIA," she added.

Swiatek held the World No. 1 spot for the major part of the year before losing it to Aryna Sabalenka in October. The Pole was inactive since the US Open but played the WTA Finals where she was ousted in the Round Robin stage. She finished the season as World No. 2 with a 61-9 record.