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As her doping controversy gets close to coming to an end, Iga Swiatek has officially been removed from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) sanctions list.
Swiatek failed an out-of-competition drug test in August. She tested positive for a banned substance called trimetazidine, as ITIA provisionally suspended her from the tour. The Pole explained her innocence in the case, stating that the presence of the banned substance was a result of contamination. ITIA accepted the statement and handed her a one-month ban.
The month-long ban ended on Wednesday, December 4, with ITIA removing Swiatek from their official website's sanctions list the subsequent day.
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Amid her doping row, Swiatek faced serious criticism from fans and even players on the tour. Nick Kyrgios slammed the Pole, dismissing her explanation as an "excuse." He suggested that such explanations were a reflection of unaccountability among sports professionals, a statement that was vouched for by Canadian player Eugenie Bouchard.
In an apparent attempt to start fresh amidst the controversies, Iga Swiatek made major changes to her team. She split up with her longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski and appointed Wim Fissette. The Belgian coach boasts a great profile, having previously worked with Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters, and Angelique Kerber.
Swiatek also hired a new public relations manager for her team. She dismissed Paula Wolecka to appoint Polish Tennis Association (PTA) member Daria Sulgostowska.
"An extremely stressful and difficult situation for Iga Swiatek" - Wim Fissette on Pole's ordeal amid doping row
Iga Swiatek's new coach Wim Fissette reflected on the Pole's ordeal amid the doping controversy.
In a recent interview, Fissette maintained that the situation was "extremely stressful and difficult" for Swiatek and her team. However, the Belgian expressed hopes of the former World No. 1 bouncing back next season.
"It was an extremely stressful and difficult situation for Iga and for the whole team. Nevertheless, Iga is a fighter on and off court, this was another tough battle she won. Now we will focus together on the next season supporting each other and working as a team," Wim Fissette said.
Fissette opined that Swiatek's values and work ethic made him confident about her innocence in the doping case.
"I have been observing her for a long time, her values, her work ethic, her standards. I was confident that she is innocent from the start, so it did not influence my decision about joining the team," he added.
Iga Swiatek last played in the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup semifinals. She defeated Jasmine Paolini, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, in the singles. The Pole then paired up with Katarzyna Kawa in the doubles, where they lost 5-7, 5-7 to Paolini and Sara Errani.
