World No. 2 tennis player Iga Swiatek received a one-month suspension after testing positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned substance. The positive test came from an out-of-competition urine sample taken on August 12, just before her first match at the Cincinnati Open. Swiatek was notified of the violation on September 12.
What is Trimetazidine and How Serious is the Offense?
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) does not view this as a severe offense. TMZ is primarily used as heart medication and has been linked to several high-profile doping cases. However, the ITIA ruled that Swiatek did not intentionally take the substance. They noted that her level of fault was at the “lowest end of the range” for no significant fault or negligence.
The positive test was attributed to contamination in the non-prescription melatonin Swiatek had been taking for jet lag and sleep problems. Melatonin is a regulated medication in Poland. During the investigation, the ITIA sent a pack of melatonin provided by Swiatek and an unopened pack from the same batch for testing at an independent, Wada-accredited laboratory in Utah. Tests confirmed that the substance was contaminated with TMZ, which was verified by an independent scientific expert from another Wada-accredited lab.
Why Are We Only Finding Out Now?
Swiatek received a mandatory provisional suspension on September 22 after being notified of the violation. This forced her to withdraw from the Korea Open, China Open, and Wuhan Open. However, after three weeks, she successfully appealed the provisional suspension, allowing her to return to competition before the case was resolved. She finished her season by competing in the WTA Finals in Riyadh and the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Málaga.
Swiatek’s case is somewhat similar to Jannik Sinner’s anti-doping case. Sinner also received provisional suspensions for two positive tests for clostebol but was able to quickly identify the source and appeal. Swiatek’s process took longer due to additional laboratory tests but was ultimately successful.
Provisional suspensions are rarely lifted. Athletes can appeal if their argument is based on contamination or if the case involves substances of abuse, like cocaine. If an athlete appeals within 10 days of receiving notice and succeeds, the suspension is not publicly disclosed according to tennis anti-doping rules.
Impact on Swiatek and Tennis Anti-Doping Policies
Swiatek’s one-month ban includes the three-week provisional suspension already served, meaning she has seven days left and will be free to compete from December 4. The WTA season restarts on December 27, so this ban will not significantly impact her schedule.
Swiatek’s and Sinner’s cases are among the most high-profile in tennis history, with both players ranked No. 1 at the time. Both successfully overturned their provisional suspensions and competed without disclosing their positive tests. The ITIA might face pressure to review their rules on provisional suspensions due to these cases.
