World No. 2 tennis star Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ), the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed Thursday. The five-time Grand Slam champion called it the “worst experience of my life” but maintains her innocence 🛡️.
Swiatek tested positive in an August out-of-competition sample tied to melatonin supplements purchased over-the-counter in Poland 🇵🇱. The ITIA ruled the contamination was accidental, citing “no significant fault” by the 23-year-old, who used the sleep aid for jet lag. Her suspension ran Sept. 12-Oct. 4, costing her prize money from the Cincinnati Open and three tournaments.
Why it matters: TMZ, a heart medication banned in sports since 2014, was detected in “unbelievably low levels” in both opened and sealed melatonin containers. A WADA-accredited lab confirmed the contamination, leading to Swiatek’s provisional suspension being lifted 🤯.
Swiatek, who lost her No. 1 ranking during the ordeal, posted on Instagram: “This put everything I’ve worked for into question… Now, with a clean slate, I can go back to what I love.” She’ll return to the court with eight days remaining on her ban 🕒.
The case highlights the risks of supplement contamination in pro sports – even for athletes who “follow the rules”. What’s next? Swiatek eyes a comeback, while the ITIA forwards the case to an Independent Tribunal ⚖️.
