Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been handed a four-year suspension for refusing an anti-doping test. The 26-year-old Czech, who won Wimbledon in 2023, failed to provide a sample when a doping control officer attempted an out-of-competition test at her home last December.

Vondrousova claimed that “months of physical and mental stress” affected her decision-making, along with safety concerns. In an Instagram post in April, she said she was scared when the doping officer approached her door late in the evening “without properly identifying themselves or following protocol.”

An independent tribunal considered Vondrousova’s claims and testimony from the doping control officer. The tribunal concluded that the evidence offered “no compelling justification” for refusing the test.

International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) CEO Karen Moorhouse stated: “We understand that the testing process is uncomfortable, and acknowledge that it is an additional burden for players whose jobs already come with a high level of pressure and scrutiny, but it is essential to protect fair competition.”

Vondrousova’s suspension will end on June 21, 2030. During the ban, she is not allowed to play in, coach at, or attend any events organized or sanctioned by the ITF, WTA, ATP, Grand Slams, or any national association.

Vondrousova has won three WTA Tour singles titles, reached a career-high ranking of No. 6 in 2023, and was a French Open finalist in 2019. She also won a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Source: www.aljazeera.com