The International Tennis Integrity Association announced a four-year suspension for former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova on Monday after she refused an anti-doping test last December.
Vondrousova, who peaked at No. 6 in the world rankings in September 2023 after winning the 2023 Wimbledon championship, currently ranks 122nd.
ITIA’s statement announcing the ban for the 26-year-old Czech player, which was confirmed by an independent tribunal, said Vondrousova did not submit a sample when notified about an out-of-competition doping test on Dec. 8 at her home.
Vondrousova said in a post on Instagram in April that the refused test stemmed from fear after the doping officer refused to follow typical protocol.
“It is very tough for me to talk about this, but I want to be transparent with you about my mental health. The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress,” Vondrousova said. “When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol — I reacted as a person who felt scared.
“In that moment it was about feeling safe, not about avoiding anything.”
ITIA’s announcement said that the tribunal took Vondrousova’s explanation into account during the hearing but found “no compelling justification” for the refused test.
“We understand that the testing process is uncomfortable and acknowledge that it is an additional burden for players whose jobs already come with a high level of pressure and scrutiny, but it is essential to protect fair competition,” ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said in a statement.
“Safety and welfare of players and our testers is really important to us. Our testers are well-trained, professional, and the gender of our testing witness always matches the player. They carry ID at all times, and players are able to verify their identity in other ways if they are ever unsure.”
Vondrousova has the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. But as things stand, her suspension will end on June 21, 2030.
In addition to her Wimbledon victory, Vondrousova earned a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She won her third and most recent WTA Tour title at the Berlin Ladies Open in June 2025.
–Field Level Media
