Doping shock as Iga Swiatek accepts one-month suspension after testing positive for banned substance

In some shock news out of the tennis world as the off-season begins, former World No.1 Iga Swiatek has accepted a one month suspension after testing positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine (TMZ) back in August 2024.

Swiatek tested positive out of competition with players required to complete tests also away from the sport. The investigation determines the source was a contaminated regulated medication.

Similar to Jannik Sinner, it shows No Significant Fault or negligence. She missed the Asian swing back in September/October which also saw her lose points on her ranking. This in turn saw her get usurped by Aryna Sabalenka who also went under penalties but merely for not playing as opposed to serving a ban.

This means that she will play the 2025 Australian Open as normal with the ban already served. But it will be interesting to note WADA's position on this and whether similar to Jannik Sinner who served no suspension whether they will force a longer suspension.

ITIA CEO, Karen Moorhouse, said: “Once the source of the TMZ had been established, it became clear that this was a highly unusual instance of a contaminated product, which in Poland is a regulated medicine.

“However, the product does not have the same designation globally, and the fact that a product is a regulated medication in one country cannot of itself be sufficient to avoid any level of fault. Taking into account the nature of the medication, and all the circumstances, it does place that fault at the lowest end of the scale.

“This case is an important reminder for tennis players of the strict liability nature of the World Anti-Doping Code and the importance of players carefully considering the use of supplements and medications. It is vital that appropriate due diligence takes place to minimise the risk of inadvertent ADRVs such as this.

“Help and support is available to players and their entourages, both directly through the ITIA, and through other organisations and schemes which check and test products.”