Vondrousova given four-year tennis ban over anti-doping test refusal
The 2023 Wimbledon champion was suspended after an independent tribunal rejected her explanation for refusing an out-of-competition test.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Marketa Vondrousova has been suspended from professional tennis for four years after refusing to provide a sample during an anti-doping test, AFP reported. The sanction removes the former Wimbledon champion from the sport until June 21, 2030, and bars her from sanctioned tennis events.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency case stemmed from an attempted out-of-competition test at Vondrousova’s home in December, according to AFP. The 26-year-old Czech player did not submit a sample after being contacted by a doping control officer.
Vondrousova, who won Wimbledon in 2023, said on Instagram in April that “months of physical and mental stress” had affected her judgment. She also cited concerns about her safety, saying she was frightened when the officer came to her door late in the evening and, in her account, did not properly identify themselves or follow protocol.
“In that moment it was about feeling safe, not about avoiding anything,” Vondrousova wrote, according to AFP.
Tribunal rejects explanation
An independent tribunal reviewed Vondrousova’s account and heard evidence from the doping control officer involved in the attempted test, AFP reported. The panel found there was “no compelling justification” for her refusal.
Under tennis anti-doping rules, players must provide daily whereabouts information for a set one-hour window so testers can find them outside tournaments, according to AFP. The system is designed to allow unannounced testing away from competition.
ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse said the agency recognized that testing can be difficult for players, but called it necessary to protect fair competition. Moorhouse also said player and tester safety was a priority, adding that testers are trained, carry identification and can be verified if a player has concerns.
Moorhouse said the gender of the testing witness matches the player, according to AFP.
Appeal under consideration
Vondrousova is weighing whether to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, AFP reported. Her lawyer, Jan Exner, said he would first review the full verdict and discuss the matter with Vondrousova before deciding on any next step.
“Marketa has asked me — and I want to respect her wish — to refrain from commenting on the matter at this stage,” Exner told AFP.
During the suspension, Vondrousova cannot play in, coach at or attend events organized or sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation, the WTA, the ATP, the Grand Slam tournaments or national tennis associations, according to AFP.
Vondrousova has won three WTA Tour singles titles. Her most prominent victory came at Wimbledon in 2023, when she beat Ons Jabeur in straight sets and became the first unseeded woman to win the singles title at the tournament, according to AFP.
She also reached the 2019 French Open final, where she lost to Ashleigh Barty, and won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. AFP reported that Vondrousova rose as high as No. 6 in the WTA rankings in 2023 and currently sits at No. 122.
Her 2026 season had already been limited. AFP reported that she has played two WTA Tour matches this year and withdrew from the Adelaide International in January because of a shoulder injury.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.