Doping controversies involving Grand Slam champions continue to cast shadows over women’s tennis. The latest shocking case involves five-time major winner Iga Swiatek, who tested positive for low levels of the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample collected on August 12, 2024, while holding the world No. 1 ranking.
The ITIA confirmed that the positive test resulted from contamination of a regulated non-prescription medication (melatonin), which was manufactured and sold in Poland. Swiatek had been using the medication to manage jet lag and sleep issues, and the violation was deemed unintentional, so her level of fault was determined to be at the lowest end of the scale for “No Significant Fault or Negligence.”
Now we finally have a resolution to the mystery why Swiatek skipped the Hana Bank Korea Open, then unexpectedly withdrew from the China Open, where she was set to defend her title and 1000 points, and from the Wuhan Open. We knew there was something turbulent going on but never suspected a doping issue!
In her statement, the world No. 2 expressed the emotional toll of the ordeal:
In the last two-and-a-half months I was subject to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence. The only positive doping test in my career, showing unbelievably low level of a banned substance I’ve never heard about before, put everything I’ve worked so hard for my entire life into question.
The Polish star’s provisional suspension began on September 12, 2024, and she appealed it on September 22, leading to its lifting on October 4, after a total of 22 days. Following rigorous testing that confirmed her positive result was caused by a contaminated medication manufactured in her home country, the ITIA imposed a one-month suspension, which Swiatek accepted on November 27. With the provisional suspension credited toward her penalty, only 8 days remained, officially ending her ineligibility on December 4, 2024.
Despite her successful appeal, Swiatek was required to forfeit prize money earned at the Cincinnati Open, where she reached the semifinals following the contested test.
Swiatek reflected on the ordeal, stating:
Both me and my team had to deal with tremendous stress and anxiety. Now everything has been carefully explained, and with a clean slate I can go back to what I love most.
During this challenging period, Swiatek also made the decision to change her coach, parting ways with Tomasz Wiktorowski and bringing on Wim Fissette. Additionally, on October 21, she lost her No. 1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka, marking another setback as she navigated through the suspension and personal challenges.
