Ranzi Sports

WTA World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has received a one-month suspension for testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ). The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the ban, noting that Swiatek’s level of fault was minimal, indicating no intent to violate rules. She has already served 22 days of her suspension and has eight days left, allowing her to compete in the Australian Open starting January 12, 2025. Swiatek tested positive for a trace amount of TMZ (This medication is recommended for heart conditions due to its effectiveness in improving blood circulation) in an out-of-competition sample collected on August 12, prior to the 2024 Cincinnati Open.

Swiatek shared her thoughts in a video statement and a detailed explanation on her Instagram account on Thursday night. The five-time Grand Slam champion expressed:
“This has been the most challenging experience of my life, and it has taught me invaluable lessons. This ordeal will remain with me forever; returning to training after this incident was incredibly tough and nearly shattered my spirit. There were countless tears and many sleepless nights.”

On Thursday, November 28, at 9:26 a.m. EST, the WTA issued a statement regarding Swiatek’s situation. The statement noted:
“The WTA acknowledges the decision made by the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA), which oversees the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP), to impose a one-month suspension on Iga Swiatek due to the identification of a contaminated regulated medication (melatonin) as the cause of her positive test for the banned substance Trimetazidine.

The WTA stands firmly with Iga during this challenging period. She has consistently shown a strong dedication to fair play and the principles of clean sport, and this unfortunate incident underscores the difficulties athletes encounter when managing medications and supplements.
The WTA is committed to supporting clean sport and the stringent processes that uphold the integrity of competition. We stress the importance for athletes to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and compliance of the products they use, as even unintentional exposure to banned substances can lead to serious repercussions.

We will continue to collaborate closely with our athletes to provide education and resources that empower them to make informed choices and uphold the highest standards of integrity in our sport”.