In a surprising turn of events, five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek faced a one-month suspension after testing positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned heart medication. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the penalty after Swiatek’s August drug test revealed traces of TMZ. The Polish star, who attributed the result to contaminated melatonin used for jet lag, has since accepted her punishment and vowed to move forward.
The incident began during Swiatek’s dominant 2024 season, which included winning the French Open and clinching a bronze at the Paris Olympics. A routine out-of-competition test detected TMZ in her system. Following an investigation, the ITIA ruled her fault as minimal, acknowledging the contamination was unintentional and stemmed from a non-prescription medication regulated differently in Poland compared to other countries.
Swiatek, 23, served a provisional suspension from September 22 to October 4, missing key tournaments in the Asian swing, including the Korea Open and China Open. With eight days of her suspension remaining, she will be cleared to compete on December 4, allowing her to return to the court ahead of the 2025 season.
“I’ve fought the toughest battle of my life,” Swiatek shared in an emotional statement. “The positive test, caused by a substance I’d never heard of, questioned everything I’ve worked for. Thankfully, the truth is clear now, and I’m ready to move forward.”
The ITIA praised Swiatek’s cooperation throughout the process. “This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in using supplements and medications,” said ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse.
Swiatek’s provisional suspension was not disclosed initially due to her successful appeal within the 10-day notice period. Alongside her suspension, she forfeited $158,944 in prize money from her semifinal run at the Cincinnati Open, the tournament immediately following the positive test.
The incident also highlights broader challenges in tennis, as athletes navigate complex regulations across jurisdictions. Similar cases, including world number one Jannik Sinner’s steroid clearance earlier this year, emphasize the sport’s strict liability standards.
Despite the setback, Swiatek remains committed to clean sport and rebuilding her legacy. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) expressed full support, reiterating her dedication to fair play. As Swiatek prepares to return, her resolve underscores the resilience required to overcome adversity both on and off the court.
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