Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has voiced significant anxiety about the possibility of failing drug tests due to contamination or deliberate targeting, a concern heightened by recent high-profile doping cases in tennis. Speaking ahead of the 2025 Italian Open in Rome, where she faces a qualifier in the first round on May 7, Raducanu told *The Sun*, “I don’t want to take anything even if the doctors are saying you should take this – just out of risk of contamination.” She expressed paranoia about consuming food or drinks in public, stating, “It’s really hard, especially if you are noticeable and the waiter recognises you. It’s something I do worry about – nervous every time.” This fear stems from the risk of sabotage, as she avoids leaving products unattended to prevent tampering.[]
Raducanu’s apprehension is fueled by recent doping scandals involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Sinner, who tested positive for clostebol in March 2024 but was cleared of intentional doping, faced a three-month ban, while Swiatek served a one-month suspension for trimetazidine contamination in 2024. These cases, coupled with Max Purcell’s 18-month ban for an IV vitamin infusion violation, have left players “apprehensive,” as Raducanu noted in a December 2024 press conference. She explained the financial burden of batch-testing supplements, which costs £1,000 per item, forcing her to forgo potentially beneficial over-the-counter products
Her caution was evident at the 2025 Australian Open, where she refused antiseptic spray for insect bites that caused swelling in her hand and ankle, fearing contamination. “I was just like, I’m going to tough it out because I don’t want to risk it,” she told reporters, per *The Guardian*. This incident underscores her heightened vigilance, as she manages allergies and minor ailments without medication to avoid accidental violations.
Raducanu’s fears are compounded by her status as a high-profile figure since her US Open triumph at 18. Past incidents, including a 2022 stalking case where a man received a five-year restraining order and a 2025 Dubai Open disruption by a spectator exhibiting “fixated behaviour,” have increased her sense of vulnerability. In Dubai, she was visibly distressed, hiding behind the umpire’s chair during a match against Karolina Muchova, later saying, “I literally couldn’t see the ball through the tears,” yet rallied to nearly win the first set. These experiences have made her hyper-aware of her surroundings, as she avoids dining alone and relies on enhanced security at tournaments like Indian Wells.[]
Despite these challenges, Raducanu, ranked No. 49, remains focused on her Italian Open campaign, aiming to build on her 2025 Miami Open quarterfinal and first outdoor clay win in three years at Madrid. Her cautious approach to anti-doping reflects a broader trend among players, with posts on X like @TheTennisLetter noting her vigilance as part of the sport’s current climate. However, her fears of contamination and targeting highlight the psychological toll of navigating professional tennis amid stringent regulations and public scrutiny.
