Iga Swiatek accepts one month suspension ITIA after testing positive for TMZ | Tennis News
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Thursday that world number two Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ).
The Polish player had tested positive in an out-of-competition sample back in August but the agency noted that it was caused contamination of her medication melatonin which she has been taking for sleep issues and jet lag.
Due to there being no significant fault or negligence on part of the player, the ITIA offered her a one-month suspension which she accepted.
Statement from the WTA:
The WTA acknowledges the decision the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA) – which adminers the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP) – in issuing a one-month suspension to Iga Swiatek, following the identification of a contaminated…
— wta (@WTA) November 28, 2024
“The player was provisionally suspended from Sept. 22 until Oct. 4, missing three tournaments, which counts towards the sanction, leaving eight days remaining. In addition, the player also forfeits prize money from the Cincinnati Open, the tournament directly following the test,” a statement from the agency read.
“The WTA fully supports Iga during this difficult time. Iga has consently 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,” the Women’s Tennis Association posted on X.
Reacting to the developments, the French Open champion said on Instagram that both she and her team had to deal with ‘stress and anxiety’ after the tests came out positive.
“In the last 2.5 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. 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.”” Swiatek said in a video.
(With agency inputs)
