From doping suspensions to Wimbledon titles - how did we get here?

Although the authorities accepted that the cases were the result of inadvertent drug contamination, reactions in the tennis world were divided after the triumph of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek in London last week.

Australian Nick Kyrgios, known for his sharp tongue, said that "it doesn't look good for the sport" that both world number one players were involved in doping scandals.

His post of a star on social networks after Sinner's victory further fueled suspicions, the prestigious BBC analyzes this case.

Sinner and Swiatek, however, emphasized how much their triumphs mean to them precisely because of everything they've been through.

"We went through an extremely stressful period, and only my team knows what I was really going through," Sinner told the BBC.

Swiatek, on the other hand, said that the media articles about her were "unpleasant" and that she wants to be allowed to do her job.

What did Swiatek and Sinner do?

In August 2024, Iga Swiatek failed a doping test due to the presence of trimetazidine (TMZ), a heart drug that improves endurance.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined that the cause was contamination from an unregulated sleeping drug from Poland.

The suspension lasted for a month.

Jannik Sinner tested positive twice for small amounts of clostebol, an anabolic steroid, in March of the same year.

An independent tribunal acquitted him, arguing that the contamination was caused by his physiotherapist using wound spray.

However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was not satisfied with the verdict and demanded a penalty, but an agreement was reached in February.

The Italian served a three-month sentence - without missing any Grand Slams.

Serena, Novak, Halep, Wawrinka reacted...

A number of tennis legends and active players have expressed concern.

Serena Williams said that "she would have been suspended for 20 years" if the same thing had happened to her, while Novak Djokovic said that "most players don't feel that the system is fair".

"How can you influence the outcome if you are a top player and have access to the best lawyers," said the Serb.

Simona Halep and Stan Wawrinka additionally indicated the lack of transparency and the possibility of different treatment for stars and other players.

The ITIA and WADA rejected claims of privilege and highlighted the increase in the number of doping tests, as well as efforts to educate athletes.

As if nothing happened

Imagn Images / ddp USA / Profimedia

Despite the controversy, the Wimbledon crowd did not show much interest in the back story – attention was mainly focused on the impressive performances of both champions.

Many believe that tennis still has the image of a "clean" sport, especially compared to athletics and cycling.

However, as public relations expert Tim Dayski warns, "the rules must be clear and consistent, regardless of the player's popularity."

If it wants to maintain its credibility, tennis must not ignore the messages of its biggest stars.

Organizers from the All England Club did not comment on the cases until publication.