Iga Swiatek says she ‘does not expect’ global anti-doping authorities to appeal one-month doping ban she received after testing positive for a banned substance.
The five-time Grand Slam champion and world number 2 discussed her suspension from tennis – during which she missed three tournaments and relinquished the title. World No. 1 behind Aryna Sabalenka — during a press conference for the United Cup in Sydney, where she represents Poland. Swiatek, who tested positive Aug. 12 for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ), said, “I think people understand, most of them. »
Swiatek doesn’t “think there’s any reason” to appeal, adding that she has “no influence on what happens.” The Polish Anti-Doping Agency (POLADA) has until December 31 to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), after which the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has 21 days to appeal on its own initiative.
POLADA initially had until December 19, but requested an extension, as reported Sport.Pl. A POLADA spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from .
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) informed Swiatek of her positive test on September 12 and provisionally suspended her. Swiatek appealed this provisional suspension within 10 days, arguing that its melatonin medication was contaminated.
Independent laboratory tests confirmed this argument and his appeal was successful, with the result that his provisional suspension was not made public until late November, when the ITIA concluded its investigation and granted a ban on a month. “Those who read the documents and know how the system works know that I had no fault and had no influence on what was happening,” Swiatek said.
Swiatek served 22 days of this ban from September to October and the remainder between November and December.
WADA appealed in the male world n°1 JThe Annik Sinner doping affair which could result in a ban of up to two years for the Italian if confirmed. It will not be heard before the end of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the 2025 season which begins on January 12 in Melbourne. Sinner and Sabalenka are the reigning singles champions, with Swiatek exiting the 2024 event in the third round.
Swiatek opens her United Cup campaign on December 30, when she faces Norwegian world number 404 Malene Helgo.
This article was originally published in Athletics.
Tennis, Women’s Tennis
2024 The Athletic Media Society
