"We’re all in the same boat": Emma Raducanu talks player apprehension after doping cases

The 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu shared her thoughts on the apprehensions felt by her fellow players after the controversial doping cases involving Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner. Raducanu highlighted how most players are extremely cautious about what they consume and the challenges of ensuring that nothing is contaminated with banned substances.

The end of the season has been overshadowed by Swiatek’s case. The Polish player was handed a one-month suspension after testing positive for Trimetazidine. This was attributed to contamination from melatonin purchased outside ITIA-approved outlets, implying partial responsibility on Swiatek's part.

Sinner’s case earlier this season was markedly different. The Italian tested positive in March during Indian Wells after a physiotherapist treated him without gloves using Clostebol to address cuts on his fingers.

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The substance entered his body through minor leg wounds. Sinner avoided suspension, but WADA has appealed the decision, seeking a one-to-two-year suspension. A resolution is still pending, leaving the 22-year-old in limbo for at least a few more months.

Raducanu recently spoke about the precautions players take to avoid such situations. “I think in general, not just me but a lot of the players I know, we’re quite apprehensive,” she told Tennis 365. “Everything we take, we are very aware of the situation and how easily things can be contaminated. And there are certain supplements that I may want to take but I can’t take them because they’re over-the-counter and they’re not batch-tested.”

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“To batch test something is £1,000 for one little thing, so it’s very expensive. For the things that you really, really need to take, then it’s obviously worth that, but you just have to cut out a lot of things that you wouldn’t necessarily take,” she continued. “I’m very careful with what I drink, what I eat. If I leave my water around, I’m very on edge about it. But it’s just part of the sport. We’re all in the same boat.”

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