Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2 ranked women’s tennis player, has been handed a one-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ).

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) imposed the ban on November 27, 2024, and publicly announced the decision the following day. The ITIA determined that Swiatek’s level of fault was minimal, categorizing the violation as “No Significant Fault or Negligence,” and concluding that it was not intentional.

Having already served 22 days of her suspension while the investigation was ongoing, Swiatek—who has won five Grand Slam titles and held the No. 1 ranking for over 100 weeks—only has eight more days remaining. This means she will be eligible to compete in the Australian Open in January.

The 23-year-old tested positive for a trace amount of TMZ, a drug typically used for heart conditions to improve blood flow, in an out-of-competition sample collected on August 12, 2024, before the Cincinnati Open. She was notified of the result on September 12 and was placed under a provisional suspension.

Swiatek appealed the provisional suspension within the 10-day window allowed by the ITIA. Her appeal was successful, which meant her suspension was not made public during that period. This approach is consistent with the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) regulations, the same protocol that prevented public disclosure of Jannik Sinner’s provisional suspension following his positive test for the steroid clostebol.

Subsequent tests confirmed that the TMZ had come from a melatonin supplement Swiatek was using to manage jetlag. This supplement, which is available without a prescription in Poland and some other EU countries, had been contaminated with TMZ. An independent WADA-accredited laboratory confirmed the contamination, and the ITIA’s CEO, Karen Moorhouse, explained that while the product is a regulated medicine in Poland, it does not have the same status internationally. However, due to the nature of the medication and the circumstances, the ITIA determined that Swiatek’s fault was at the lowest end of the scale.

Following the successful appeal, Swiatek’s suspension was lifted on October 4, allowing her to participate in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia and the Billie Jean King Cup in Malaga.

During her provisional suspension, Swiatek missed the Korea Open, China Open, and Wuhan Open, which resulted in her losing the No. 1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka. At the time, Swiatek cited “personal reasons” for her absence.

Additionally, the ITIA confirmed on Thursday that Swiatek will forfeit any prize money earned from the Cincinnati Open, where she tested positive. However, the points she earned from reaching the semifinals will not impact her ranking.

In early October, Swiatek also parted ways with her coach of three years, Tomasz Wiktorowski, and brought in Wim Fissette as her new coach.

In a video statement, Swiatek shared her emotional journey: “This experience, the hardest of my life so far, has taught me a lot. It will definitely stay with me forever. Returning to training after this situation nearly broke my heart. There were many tears and sleepless nights. The worst part was the uncertainty. I didn’t know what would happen to my career, or if I’d be able to play tennis again.”

“Fans Will Be Disappointed”

Analysis by Charlie Eccleshare

In the wake of Swiatek’s doping ban, tennis has faced another difficult few months. Just three months after news broke of men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s two positive doping tests, one of the sport’s most high-profile female players has also been suspended. Swiatek, who had to miss three events during her provisional suspension, was the top-ranked player at the time of her positive test.

Both Swiatek and Sinner have been cleared of intentional doping, but many tennis fans will likely feel disheartened by the circumstances.

Sinner’s case sparked criticism from some quarters, particularly regarding what was perceived as favorable treatment, even though the proper procedures were followed. Similarly, the confidentiality of Swiatek’s investigation may lead to similar questions about tennis’ integrity and the transparency of its anti-doping processes. Fans and players alike may continue to scrutinize the sport as it deals with the fallout from these high-profile cases.