5-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month suspension after testing optimistic for a prohibited substance.
Swiatek examined optimistic for trimetazidine, a coronary heart medicine generally known as TMZ, in an out-of-competition pattern in August, the Worldwide Tennis Integrity Company (ITIA) introduced on Thursday.
The ITIA accepted that the optimistic take a look at was brought on by the contamination of a regulated non-prescription medicine (melatonin), manufactured and offered in Poland, that Swiatek had been taking for jet lag and sleep points, and that the violation was due to this fact not intentional.
“I am lastly allowed… so I immediately wish to share with you one thing that turned the worst expertise of my life,” Swiatek stated in an Instagram submit.
“Within the final 2.5 months I used to be topic to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence.
“The one optimistic doping take a look at in my profession, exhibiting unbelievably low degree of a banned substance I’ve by no means heard about earlier than, put all the pieces I’ve labored so laborious for my whole life into query.
“Each me and my staff needed to cope with super stress and nervousness. Now all the pieces has been rigorously defined, and with a clear slate I can return to what I like most.
“I do know I might be stronger than ever. I am simply relieved it is over.
“I wish to be open with you, though I do know I did nothing unsuitable. Out of respect for my followers and the general public, I am sharing all the small print of this longest and hardest event of my profession.
“My greatest hope is that you’ll stick with me.”
It was decided her degree of fault was “on the lowest finish of the vary for no vital fault or negligence”, the IATA stated.
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Iga Swiatek fought off Karolina Muchova to win 6-2 5-7 6-4 and clinch her third French Open girls’s title within the final 4 years.
Swiatek, 23, received the French Open in June and received a bronze medal on the Paris Olympics in August this yr.
She was ranked World No 1 for a lot of the previous two seasons however has now moved to No 2, with Aryna Sabalenka taking the highest seed place.
“The entire thing will certainly stick with me for the remainder of my life. It took a number of energy, returning to coaching after this case almost broke my coronary heart,” Swiatek added.
“So there have been many tears and a number of sleepless nights. The worst a part of it was the uncertainty. I did not know what was going to occur with my profession, how issues would finish, or if I’d be allowed to play tennis in any respect.
“Which is why I am so grateful for my household and staff, individuals who stood by me it doesn’t matter what.”
The WTA stated it’s absolutely in assist of Swiatek.
“Iga has constantly demonstrated a powerful dedication to honest play and upholding the ideas of fresh sport, and this unlucky incident highlights the challenges athletes face in navigating the usage of medicines and dietary supplements,” the WTA wrote in a press release.
“The WTA stays steadfast in our assist for a clear sport and the rigorous processes that shield the integrity of competitors.
“We additionally emphasize that athletes should take each precaution to confirm the protection and compliance of all merchandise they use, as even unintentional publicity to prohibited substances can have vital penalties.”
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