Iga Świątek, a renowned 23-year-old tennis player and five-time grand slam winner, finds herself at the center of a doping controversy. On Thursday, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Świątek tested positive for trimetazidine, a prohibited metabolic modulator. Following this revelation, the ITIA proposed a one-month suspension, which Świątek accepted. She was provisionally suspended from September 22 to October 4, missing three tournaments in the process. With the suspension counting towards her sanction, only eight days remain.
Świątek expressed her shock and disbelief upon learning of the positive test result.
"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," she stated.
The tennis star immediately cooperated with the ITIA and began conducting tests on her nutritional supplements and medications. It was discovered that her melatonin supplement, used for sleep, was contaminated with trimetazidine.
“The ITIA accepted that the positive test was caused by the contamination of a regulated non-prescription medication (melatonin), manufactured and sold in Poland that the player had been taking for jet lag and sleep issues, and that the violation was therefore not intentional,” the ITIA clarified.
Despite the challenges posed by this incident, Świątek remains determined to return to the sport she loves.
"This experience, the most difficult in my life so far, taught me a lot," she reflected.
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has expressed full support for Świątek during this challenging period.
“The WTA fully supports Iga during this difficult time. Iga has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fair play and upholding the principles of clean sport, and this unfortunate incident highlights the challenges athletes face in navigating the use of medications and supplements,” stated the WTA.
The association emphasized the importance of athletes verifying the safety and compliance of all products they use.
“The WTA remains steadfast in our support for a clean sport and the rigorous processes that protect the integrity of competition. We also emphasize that athletes must take every precaution to verify the safety and compliance of all products they use, as even unintentional exposure to prohibited substances can have significant consequences,” added the WTA.
In addition to her suspension, Świątek will forfeit prize money from the Cincinnati Open, which directly followed her positive test.
“In addition, the player also forfeits prize money from the Cincinnati Open, the tournament directly following the test,” confirmed the ITIA.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is closely monitoring this case and may consider further actions if necessary.
“As it does with all cases, WADA will carefully review this decision by the ITIA and reserves the right to take an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as appropriate,” a spokesperson for WADA stated.
Świątek concluded her public statement by asking her fans for continued support during this trying time. She expressed hope for a swift return to her competitive career.
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