Tennis superstar Iga Swiatek is speaking out for the first time about her doping suspension, revealing her fears about the public’s reaction and her belief that tennis treats all such cases equally. The world No. 2 tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine in August, which she says was due to accidental contamination of jet lag medication. Swiatek served a brief ban, missing three autumn tournaments and losing her No. 1 ranking as a result.
Swiatek Appreciates Positive Public Response
In a revealing interview ahead of the new season, the 23-year-old Polish star admitted she feared a harsher public backlash to her suspension news. “I was scared that most of the people are going to turn their back on me,” Swiatek confessed. “But I felt the support and it’s great.” She expressed gratitude for the understanding reaction, especially in her home country.
Swiatek acknowledged there would inevitably be some negative comments, but said she’s not focusing on those. “Obviously there are going to be some negative comments and you’re not going to avoid that. I just have to accept that and I don’t really care about those, honestly,” she stated firmly.
Belief in Fair Treatment for All
Despite recent high-profile doping cases sparking debate about preferential treatment for tennis’ biggest names, Swiatek insisted she believes the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) handles all cases the same. “I can say from the processes that I went through – and how they treated me from the beginning – that it seemed fair for me,” she attested.
“I trust ITIA that, any case they do, they’re going to treat every player the same way and fairly.”
– Iga Swiatek
Her comments come on the heels of men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner avoiding suspension despite two failed tests earlier in the year. The World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed that decision, leaving open the possibility Sinner could still face a ban. But Swiatek doesn’t expect her own case to be reopened.
- Brief ban included missed tournaments, ranking drop
- Gave “every possible evidence” to authorities
Moving Forward with Appreciation
With her suspension served, Swiatek is eager to get back to tennis as she kicks off the 2025 season. She admitted it was challenging dealing with her absence when the reason wasn’t public, but she’s choosing to focus on the future with a renewed sense of gratitude for her supporters.
“After the information about my case was released, I was scared that most of the people are going to turn their back on me. But I felt the support and it’s great,” Swiatek reflected. “I really, really appreciate that.”
The former world No. 1 kicks off her 2025 campaign at the United Cup in Australia, undoubtedly with the wind of public goodwill at her back. While the doping suspension was an unexpected hurdle, Swiatek seems to have emerged with her reputation and competitive drive intact, ready to start a new chapter in her already illustrious career.
