The tennis world is reeling from a string of doping scandals, shaking the very foundations of the sport. After Jannik Sinner’s double-positive test for a banned substance made headlines, the shockwaves continued with Iga Swiatek now facing a one-month ban for consuming a prohibited substance. Naturally, the tennis community is abuzz with speculation, trying to piece together the puzzle. But here’s where things take a fascinating turn. Amid the controversy, an intriguing connection between Sinner and Swiatek has emerged—a link involving their teammates, or more intriguingly, their former teammates.

In a statement shared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) earlier today, it was confirmed that Swiatek tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ), a heart medication, in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024. However, Swiatek explained that she used the medication for jet lag and sleep issues and tested positive due to the contamination of a nonprescription medication, melatonin. This explanation was admitted by the ITIA which ruled that Swiatek’s fault was unintentional and was “at the lowest end of the range for no significant fault or negligence.” But interestingly, the entire episode comes to light just a month after Swiatek parted ways with her former coach Tomasz Wiktorowski. 

Remember, the Polish sensation announced the split on October 4. Interestingly, this was the date on which her provisional ban that started on September 22 was over. This spit was surprising for many in the tennis community with some speculating a rift, while others calling it a necessity for Swiatek. Discussing the same with  Przeglad Sportowy earlier, Tomasz Wiktorowski himself opened up on the split and said, “It was simply a necessity.” But what fascinates is the fact that a similar pattern was witnessed during Sinner’s doping saga. 

The Italian dynamo tested positive twice for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol during the Indian Wells. However, it was later found that Giacomo Naldi, Sinner’s ex-physio, used a spray containing the substance to treat a cut on his own finger. Since he treated Sinner without gloves, the substance was eventually believed to be passed on by him, thus putting the blame on Naldi. And just like Swiatek, Sinner parted ways with Naldi and his fitness coach Umberto Ferrora in August end.

Explaining his stance, Sinner had clarified,  “Because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling that confident to continue with them (Naldi and Ferrera). The only thing I just need right now, just some clean air.” With Swiatek following a similar pattern, is Wiktorowski was also made the scapegoat like Naldi and Ferrera?

While anything cannot be confirmed, the pattern definitely highlights the same, as when the ruling is out, Swiatek is already training with a new coach Wim Fissette. While only time will tell if Wiktorowski will be linked to the entire matter, the similarities are indeed surprising. Meanwhile, Swiatek is already witnessing some much-needed support with the WTA rallying behind her amid the challenging time. 

WTA extends support to Iga Swiatek amid challenging phase

Iga Swiatek has proved her dominance on the tennis courts and had a clean record before the current case came to light. As she battles through a challenging phase, all she needs is some immense backing and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is providing her just that. 

Taking to X, the WTA took cognizance of the matter and shared that it is with Swiatek during the difficult times. “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,” the statement read. 

Now this comes at a time when the ruling of ITIA is facing an equal amount of questioning from the likes of Canadian star Denis Shapavalov and British player Tara Moore. For now, it would be interesting to see how the tennis world would react further to the matter.