PHILADELPHIA, United States, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been handed a four-year suspension for refusing to provide a sample during an anti-doping test, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced Monday.
According to the ITIA, Vondrousova refused to provide a sample after being notified by a doping control officer during an out-of-competition testing attempt at her home at around 8 p.m. on December 3, 2025.
An independent tribunal determined that the Czech had committed an anti-doping rule violation by refusing sample collection after notification. Her period of ineligibility runs until June 21, 2030.
In a statement previously published on social media, Vondrousova said months of physical and mental stress had affected her decision-making and that concerns for her personal safety contributed to her actions during the testing attempt.
The tribunal considered those explanations, along with evidence provided by the doping control officer, but concluded there was no compelling justification for refusing the test.
ITIA Chief Executive Officer Karen Moorhouse said anti-doping testing is a fundamental part of maintaining fair competition in sport.
"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," Moorhouse said.
She added that player welfare and tester safety remain important priorities and noted that ITIA testing personnel are trained professionals who carry identification and can be independently verified by athletes if required.
Under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program and the World Anti-Doping Agency code, refusing or failing to submit to sample collection after notification is treated as a serious anti-doping rule violation and carries the same potential sanction as a positive test.
During the period of ineligibility, Vondrousova is prohibited from playing, coaching or attending events organized, authorized or sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation, the Women's Tennis Association, the Association of Tennis Professionals, the Grand Slam tournaments and national tennis associations.
The 26-year-old won Wimbledon in 2023, becoming the first unseeded woman to lift the title in the tournament's history. She later reached a career-high ranking of world No. 6.
The ITIA said the full written decision will be published in due course. Vondrousova retains the right to appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. ■
