Iga Swiatek Opens Up About Ongoing Anxiety After Doping Controversy
Iga Swiatek has spoken candidly about her lingering anxiety stemming from a past doping controversy, admitting the emotional toll still affects her years later.
Speaking ahead of the 2024 Madrid Open, the world No. 1 reflected on how the incident changed her relationship with the sport:
“Honestly, even after a couple of years, it’s something you think about all the time. It still brings anxiety—not just for me, but for others too. I’ve learned to cope and recover, but it’s the fear of the unknown that stays with many players.”
Swiatek, who has consistently maintained her innocence and was cleared of any wrongdoing, said the lack of control in such situations is especially difficult for athletes to deal with.
“The system is tough. I didn’t have much control over what happened to me, and I know a lot of players fear it could happen to them too,” she explained, as reported by Yahoo Sports UK.
Despite the emotional challenges, Swiatek remains focused as she sets her sights on success in Madrid, where she’s scheduled to face rising star Alexandra Eala.
