The tennis world has been rocked by doping controversies, and the shockwaves just keep coming. After Jannik Sinner‘s doping saga stirred the community, Polish sensation Iga Swiatek found herself at the center of her own storm. Although cleared of charges and allowed to return to competition, the criticism hasn’t let up—and opinions are flying in from every corner of the tennis sphere. Adding his voice to the conversation is none other than former French Open champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov. The Russian legend didn’t mince words as he weighed in on the controversy, sharing a fresh take on the entire matter. 

In a major revelation that came to light on Thursday, November 28th, the Polish tennis sensation accepted a one-month ban for a positive doping test. The information was confirmed through a statement shared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) which ruled that the consumption of the substance was intentional. It was found that Swiatek tested positive for low levels of Trimetazidine also known as TMZ, in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024 ahead of the Cincinnati Masters. However, the Pole explained to the investigative agency contamination was caused unintentionally by the contamination of one of her medications, melatonin. But despite being acquitted of the charges, the entire doping case has continued to gain attention including criticisms pouring in for the player. 

In a post shared by Kafelnikov on X, he demanded a life ban on any player found guilty of doping. “It should be LIFE ban for anybody who gets caught using ban substances! NO excuses and ZERO tolerance no matter who your are!!!!” This can be seen as a clear attack on both Sinner and Swiatek who have been accused of preferential treatment time and again by many in the tennis community. 

Remember, earlier Jannik Sinner tested positive twice for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol during Indian Wells. However, it was found that his ex-physio Giacomo Naldi used a spray to treat an injury on his finger which contained the substance. And since he massaged Sinner without gloves, the substance was eventually transmitted. Admitting the explanation, ITIA let him go with a fine, which led to accusations of biased judgment. Interestingly, Kafelnikov is not the only person who has responded in such a manner over the entire case.

Reacting to the latest doping cases that have come to light, Nick Kyrgios took to his X account and wrote, “OUR SPORT IS COOKED.” Similar anger was witnessed by British player Tara Moore. Expressing her surprise over the judgment, she wrote, “I took 19 months off as I had to make a ‘change to my team’ too guys. Let’s not forget, mine was also contaminated, and 2 other people also tested positive yet ITIA are appealing my case. Why is no one seriously looking into the corruption of the organisations that govern us?” Remember, Moore faced a 19-month provisional suspension after testing positive for anabolic steroids boldenone and nandrolone in May 2022.

Ultimately it was found that the substance in her body was due to contaminated meat, and hence the delay in her case was questioned yet again when Swiatek’s case came to light. But amidst the criticism, the former World No. 1 is also facing some support as well, with the Women’s Tennis Association leading from the front. 

“Consistently demonstrated strong commitment to fair play” – WTA rallies behind Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek boasted a stark clean record until the latest doping case came to light. But while she has been acquitted of the charges, criticisms are not simmering against the Pole. In such a situation as this, all an athlete desires is some support and the Women’s Tennis Association is providing just that to the Polish star. 

The WTA released a statement soon after the doping case came to light. Expressing support for Swiatek, the statement read, “The WTA fully supports Iga during this difficult time. Iga has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fair play and upholding the principles of clean sport, and this unfortunate incident highlights the challenges athletes face in navigating the use of medications and supplements.” However, this is not stopping experts like Yevgeny Kafelnikov from sharing their harsh takes. 

As the entire controversy evolves, it would be interesting to see if Iga Swiatek would come out and respond to the naysayers with a vehement reply anytime soon.