5-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month suspension after testing constructive for a prohibited substance.
Swiatek examined constructive for trimetazidine, a coronary heart medicine referred to as TMZ, in an out-of-competition pattern in August, the Worldwide Tennis Integrity Company (ITIA) introduced on Thursday.
The ITIA accepted that the constructive check 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 subsequently not intentional.
“I am lastly allowed… so I immediately need to share with you one thing that grew to become the worst expertise of my life,” Swiatek stated in an Instagram publish.
“Within the final 2.5 months I used to be topic to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence.
“The one constructive doping check in my profession, displaying unbelievably low stage of a banned substance I’ve by no means heard about earlier than, put the whole lot I’ve labored so onerous for my whole life into query.
“Each me and my staff needed to take care of great stress and anxiousness. Now the whole lot has been rigorously defined, and with a clear slate I can return to what I really like most.
“I do know I can be stronger than ever. I am simply relieved it is over.
“I need to be open with you, although I do know I did nothing improper. Out of respect for my followers and the general public, I am sharing all the main points of this longest and hardest match of my profession.
“My largest hope is that you’ll stick with me.”
It was decided her stage of fault was “on the lowest finish of the vary for no vital fault or negligence”, the IATA stated.
Swiatek, 23, received the French Open in June and received a bronze medal on the Paris Olympics in August this 12 months.
She was ranked World No 1 for many 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 whole lot of energy, returning to coaching after this example practically broke my coronary heart,” Swiatek added.
“So there have been many tears and a whole lot 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 totally in help of Swiatek.
“Iga has constantly demonstrated a robust 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 an announcement.
“The WTA stays steadfast in our help 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 security and compliance of all merchandise they use, as even unintentional publicity to prohibited substances can have vital penalties.”
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