Polish player Iga Swiatek may be entangled in controversy, but she has the perfect senior to support her case. After testing positive in a doping trial in August, this former WTA number one faced nearly a month of suspension. Despite her punishment, many tennis personalities continued to criticize Swiatek’s situation. Amidst the ongoing backlash, Andy Roddick stepped forward to drop his thoughts about Swiatek’s case, explaining why people should stop blaming her.

Roddick supported Iga Swiatek after the Polish was declared to have failed a doping test in August. The WTA star tested positive for Trimetazidine, a banned substance that entered her body through contaminated melatonin. Despite the result, she argued about her innocence, claiming she had no idea how the substance ended up in her system. The ITIA believed her claim credible and suspended her for a brief period from September 12 to October 4. Since Swiatek proved the incident was unintentional, her punishment was relatively lesser. Nevertheless, The WTA star took to the IG platform to clear the air. After Swiatek’s emotional clarification, the manufacturer of the contaminated melatonin issued an apology, vowing to support her in clearing her name.

Roddick also chimed in, explaining why he believes the former WTA  number one is not guilty in this ordeal. “I can’t call it doping. Taking melatonin when you’re jetlagged at 2:30 in Cincinnati… It was just unfortunate for her,” the former ATP number one said. Roddick explained that the Polish player had tested negative in Paris, at the Olympic Games, and in New York, shedding light on the fact that her situation was a separate incident, not part of any ongoing pattern. “It just doesn’t make sense because the headlines and the morons in our sport are saying ‘doping!'” Roddick continued, saying that many players use melatonin to get relief from jet lag.

The American legend further questioned the purpose of testing athletes for trace amounts of a substance that had no impact on their performance: “You took melatonin? I took melatonin. Are we going to continue to catch athletes for trace amounts of the substance or contaminated melatonin that had no effect on increasing performance? What are we trying to solve with ITIA and WADA? Increasing performance. That’s what we want to stop. If all the scientists from independent organizations tell us that it doesn’t increase performance, then what the f**k do we care?” The American legend’s comments reflected his sheer frustration with the ongoing controversy about Swiatek.

Swiatek received negative criticism from personalities like Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Nick Kyrgios. The Russian accused Swiatek of setting a bad example saying, “And the sad part to all of this is that young and upcoming players (12-16 years old) look at their idols and think maybe it’s normal to use steroids in the future and get away with this! Current players setting bad examples for young generations.” His words were supported by Nick Kyrgios who blamed Swiatek. However, Roddick’s words definitely must have provided some relief to the player.

Andy Roddick called Iga Swiatek “a champion” and “human”

Roddick has been a fan of Swiatek. Known for his straightforward opinions on tennis, This American expressed his admiration for the Polish player with a great revelation. When Swiatek defeated Naomi Osaka after a nerve-wracking match in the 2024 French Open and then burst into tears afterward, Roddick shed light on why the Polish star deserves applause for not just being a great player but also a sensitive human. “Try to tell me Iga doesn’t care. This was a second round match at a tournament she’s already won three times. This is sports. You fight, you survive, and then you become human again. Rinse, repeat. This woman is a champion….. and human,” tweeted the former ATP star. Roddick’s words echoed love and admiration for the Polish player.

Andy Roddick’s support for Iga Swiatek sheds light on the crucial aspects of her case. At the same time, it showcases the American legend’s liking towards an exceptional player like Swiatek. Despite the ordeal, such support might motivate Swiatek to work harder for the next season proving why she is worthy of the love and fame she receives.