PTPA Clashes with WTA Over Iga Swiatek’s Suspension Labeling
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has strongly criticized the WTA for describing Iga Swiatek’s recent suspension as an “unfortunate incident.”
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that the world No. 2 received a one-month suspension after testing positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned substance. However, they acknowledged that Swiatek bore “no significant fault or negligence” in the violation.
Swiatek’s positive test occurred before the Cincinnati Open, and she served 22 days of her ban during the Asian swing. In response, the WTA released a statement calling the situation “unfortunate” and offering support to the Polish star as she dealt with the suspension’s fallout.
PTPA Calls Out WTA’s Response
The PTPA, however, took issue with the WTA’s choice of words, with executive director Ahmad Nassar taking to social media to express his frustration.
“I’m sorry. This was not an ‘unfortunate incident,’” Nassar wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “A real unfortunate incident is something you cannot control. Tennis can – and should! – no, must! – control its own anti-doping process.”
Nassar argued that tennis authorities have failed to properly oversee the anti-doping process, shifting unfair responsibility onto players.
“Athletes indeed face ‘challenges.’ Like, the weather. And their opponents. But the messy, tennis-establishment-imposed anti-doping process is not some ‘challenge’ athletes must overcome. That’s a cop-out.”
He further criticized the expectation that Swiatek should have pre-tested her melatonin supplements, emphasizing the unreasonable burden placed on athletes.
“What ‘precaution’ should Iga have taken here? Pre-test melatonin on the minuscule chance it was contaminated? Come on.”
Nassar also suggested that tennis organizations should provide pre-tested supplements to players if they expect them to avoid contamination risks.
“And dropping this on Thanksgiving morning in the US is classic subterfuge.”
Swiatek Cleared to Return Soon
With only eight days left on her suspension, Swiatek will be free to return for the United Cup and the Australian Open.
The ITIA stated that Swiatek’s melatonin supplement was contaminated during manufacturing, leading to an extremely low trace of TMZ in her system. She was placed at the “lowest end of the range for no significant fault or negligence.”
Despite this, the PTPA remains vocal, arguing that the tennis establishment’s approach to anti-doping is flawed.
Djokovic, who co-founded the PTPA with Vasek Pospisil in 2020, continues to push for greater player representation and autonomy, aiming to provide a self-governance structure that is independent of the ATP and WTA.
