SHOCK: Iga Swiatek Suspended One Month For Doping Violation
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Iga Swiatek has been suspended for one month due to a doping violation, the International Tennis Integrity Agency announced today.
Swiatek initially tested posted for the banned substance trimetazidine (“TMZ”) on Monday, August 12 just before the start of the Cincinnati Masters.
Swiatek was notified of the positive test and a provisional suspension a month later after the US Open on September 12. She then withdrew from Asian swing (Korea, Beijing, Wuhan) and sent an application for appeal. Swiatek stated she had unknowingly ingested the drug in a melatonin supplement purchased in Poland. Swiatek used the drug to help with sleep issues and jet lag as needed.
“She denied having deliberately or knowingly used TMZ and indicated that she had not been able to identify the source of the TMZ in her sample, but asserted that the TMZ must have been inadvertently
ingested through environmental contamination or a contaminated product,” the ITIA said in a statement.
The ITIA agreed the drug had the banned substance when purchased, but Swiatek was in “No Significant Fault or Negligence”, so a one-month suspension was issued.
Having already missed time from September 12, Swiatek will only be suspended for eight more days and will be eligible to fully return to action on December 4. She also forfeits points and prize money from Cincinnati.
The WTA put out a statement, “The WTA fully supports Iga during this difficult time. Iga has consistently 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.”
Swiatek posted a video:
"The toughest battle of my life."
Iga Swiatek's full statement after accepting a one-month suspension under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme for testing positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine. pic.twitter.com/Zya4YmAEqO
— Eurosport (@eurosport) November 28, 2024
Swiatek is the second major doping violation issued this year after No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
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