Swiatek Accepts One month Ban After Failing Doping Test Says Itia

Iga Swiatek Accepts One-Month Ban After Positive Doping Test

World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Polish tennis star tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August. The ITIA accepted that the positive test was due to contamination of her melatonin medication, which she was taking for jet lag and sleep issues. The melatonin was manufactured and sold over the counter in Poland.

"The only positive doping test in my career, showing an unbelievably low level of a banned substance I’ve never heard about before, put everything I’ve worked so hard for my entire life into question," Swiatek shared on Instagram. "Both me and my team had to deal with tremendous stress and anxiety. Now, with everything carefully explained, I can go back to what I love most."

The ITIA ruled that there was no significant fault or negligence on Swiatek’s part and offered her a one-month suspension, which she accepted. The suspension was provisionally applied from September 12 to October 4, during which she missed three tournaments. She also forfeited prize money from the Cincinnati Open, the tournament directly following the test.

During her absence, Swiatek withdrew from tournaments in Asia, citing personal matters and fatigue. Her time away from the court allowed Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka to overtake her as World No. 1 in the rankings.

Swiatek’s provisional suspension was lifted on October 4 after providing samples of her melatonin product to a WADA-accredited laboratory, which confirmed low doses of TMZ in both opened and sealed containers.

"In the last two and a half months, I was subject to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence," Swiatek said. "With a clean slate, I can focus on my training and upcoming tournaments."

The incident highlights the challenges athletes face with supplement contamination and the importance of rigorous testing. Fans worldwide are eager to see Swiatek return to the court and continue her impressive career.

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