“How was she allowed to play?” – Shapovalov, Fritz, Broady and more react to Swiatek’s doping ban

Swiatek accepts a one-month suspension after positive doping test

In an announcement on social media, Swiatek shared details of the situation: “Over the past two and a half months, I was subjected to strict ITIA procedures, which confirmed my innocence,” Swiatek said in an Instagram video. “The only positive drug test of my career, which found incredibly low levels of a banned substance I have never heard of, calls into question everything I have worked so hard for my entire life.”

“Both I and my team have been dealing with enormous stress and anxiety. Now everything has been carefully explained and I can get back to what I love most with a clean slate.” Watch the rest of her statement below.

Shapovalov questions Swiatek’s suspension

Denis Shapovalov was quick to voice his criticism after the revelation of Iga Swiatek’s doping case. A few months ago, amid the Jannik Sinner controversy, the Canadian sharply condemned the perceived ‘special treatment’ given to the Italian world number 1.

True to his style, the former Wimbledon semi-finalist succinctly posted on X: “1 month ban eh” after Swiatek’s suspension was announced.

“That doesn’t make it fair that players like Halep and others were given insanely long bans for similar things. I’m glad this is changing, because the doping rules are unfair. But guys like Ymer are still suspended and he has never tested positive.”

“You should really hope it never happens to you…” one user responded, adding, “Because it could happen to anyone to get infected, and I’m sure you too would appeal to avoid being banned. ‘

Shapovalov continued, reiterating his opinion and citing Simona Halep and Mikael Ymer as examples of players who, in his opinion, faced different treatment: “That doesn’t make it fair that players like Halep and others were given insanely long bans for similar things . I’m glad this is changing, because the doping rules are unfair. But guys like Ymer are still suspended and he has never tested positive.”

Taylor Fritz condemns fan prejudice in doping scandals

ATP World No. 4 Taylor Fritz offered a different perspective, highlighting how social media often acts as a tool for unfair criticism and biased narratives in doping controversies. “It’s fine to have your own honest opinion, but what I can’t fathom and what is so disturbing to see as a player is the INSANE bias of the tennis public that supports whatever narrative pushes the agenda they want to push ”, wrote Fritz. .

“If it’s a rival of the player you’re supporting who tests positive, then you’re on the ‘let’s call them a doper/cheater/disgrace’ team as much as possible. But if it’s your favorite player it’s about, then it’s ‘innocent, no questions asked’.”

“How can you not remove your own personal biases and form an informed and honest opinion for yourself? Even if the player proves his innocence (not saying that someone is or isn’t), people who support rival players or have a bias against You will always blindly tell the story that you are a cheater. That fact makes me really sad for all the truly innocent players who have to go through this,” he concluded.

Liam Broady ironically rejects criticism of the doping rules

Former Wimbledon junior champion Liam Broady took to social media to mock a user’s criticism of tennis authorities for failing to provide a list of approved drugs. The user suggested: “Wouldn’t it make sense if the tennis authorities had an allowed list of branded supplements/drugs from reputable manufacturers who could prove their products were clean? Everything else should be tested before use.”

Broady disagreed and responded sarcastically: “Totally agree. This is already available Very easy to just get products that have been tested. You can go to a website and look up the product to make sure it is safe from contamination.”

Eva Lys questions Swiatek’s case and emphasizes unequal doping sanctions

German tennis star Eva Lys reflected on the case of her colleague Tara Moore, who faced a lengthy ban after eating contaminated meat during a tournament in South America. At the time, it was reported that organizers were aware that the local meat could trigger positive doping tests, but they delayed informing the players.

“What about players who ate contaminated meat in South America? Why didn’t @TaraMoore92 get a one month suspension? I’m slowly starting to think that not everyone gets an equal process,” Lys wrote on social media. “There are a lot of lower-ranked players who don’t get the same treatment as ‘higher-ranked’ players. I’m not saying someone is innocent or not; I say that everyone deserves equal opportunities.”

“How was she allowed to play?”: Tara Moore criticizes Swiatek’s doping case

Moore expressed her disbelief on social media: “Wait… so she was supposed to be suspended until December 4, but still played BJK Cup… which (correct me if I’m wrong) LAST WEEK. How was she allowed to play while she was suspended??? Someone please explain, because I’ve gone into a spiral. @jon_wertheim @Tennis @TennisChannel”