The tennis world is in shock after the doping revelation of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, in 2024. The initial fallout has sparked intense debate across the sport, especially concerning the circumstances surrounding their cases.
Swiatek, currently ranked World No. 2, faced a one-month ban after testing positive for trimetazidine, a drug typically used to treat angina. However, the majority of her suspension was served in secret as a provisional measure. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) later concluded that the positive test was due to contamination from a melatonin supplement she was taking to aid her sleep. The company that produced the tainted drug later issued a formal apology.
This news comes just three months after world No. 1 Sinner was cleared following two positive tests in March. Those test results were kept private at the time, with the Italian cleared of any wrongdoing after explaining that the substance in question entered his body through a massage treatment. His physiotherapist had used a steroid-containing spray to treat a cut on their finger. While the ITIA cleared Sinner, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) disagreed with the ruling and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, requesting a ban of up to two years.
Holger Rune, currently ranked No. 13 in the world, recently weighed in on the controversy. Rune, who is preparing to compete in the UTS Grand Final in London, shared his perspective during a media session leading up to the exhibition event. The Danish player revealed that he has been subjected to numerous doping tests throughout the year, including around 20 tests before the Olympics.
“We had a lot of doping controls this year,” Rune explained. “Before the Olympics, I had about 20 tests, which is a lot, but they are doing everything to keep the sport clean. That’s very important.”
Rune, who is known for his meticulous attention to detail, also spoke about the care he takes with his nutrition and supplements. “I’m very careful about what I consume, just like every player,” he added. “It can be unfortunate if something goes wrong with a test, but I always make sure to protect myself as best as I can. If I leave a drink unattended, I never touch it again. I just have to do everything I can to stay in the game and keep playing tennis every day.”
He also touched on the importance of regular health checks, noting, “I do blood tests about once a year to check what my body needs more of. That’s a personal thing, but it could be something like vitamin C if I feel sick.”
While Swiatek’s situation appears to have been resolved after the contamination of her melatonin product was confirmed, Sinner’s case is far from settled. The Italian star now faces the renewed possibility of a suspension as WADA continues to pursue an appeal. Sinner, who was initially cleared of fault, expressed his disappointment at the appeal, saying, “I’m very disappointed and also surprised by the appeal, to be honest. I wasn’t expecting it.”
WADA has argued that the “no fault or negligence” ruling was incorrect under the rules and has requested a ban of between one and two years, although they are not seeking the disqualification of any results, except for those that have already been overturned.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has yet to set a date for the hearing of Sinner’s case. Meanwhile, Rune’s comments on the frequent doping tests shed light on the rigorous efforts by the ITIA to maintain the integrity of the sport. With high-profile cases like these, it’s clear that anti-doping measures are being closely scrutinized, and players are under constant pressure to ensure they stay clean amidst the growing scrutiny.