doping in tennis
After Simona Halep was temporarily banned on suspicion of taking illegal substances, many wondered how often the players are tested at all. The ITF Anti-Doping Program provides answers.
by Victoria Moser
last edit:
Oct 23, 2022, 08:49 pm
Doping substances can be detected in various ways. Tests can be performed using either urine or blood samples. The first method is usually chosen. In 2021, 6636 tests were made - 3621 during and 3015 outside of tournaments. Normally, the tests are randomized, which means that the test subjects and the time are decided at random. But there are anomalies.
Rublev with the second most doping tests
On the ATP tour, players were tested up to 27 times last year. Ricardas Berankis from Lithuania was hit the hardest. The skeptical attitude towards Russian athletes can also be found in tennis. Andrey Rublev, who had to submit a sample 26 times, is the proof here. But other players are also hot. Tsitsipas (22 times), Djokovic (21), Zverev (21) and Medvedev (20) form a doping top five with the Russian (excluding Berankis). One player who was conspicuously rarely selected is the Spaniard Rafael Nadal. He only had to endure 14 tests in 2021.
Krejcikova under suspicion
In women, on the other hand, the cup or syringe is used more often. Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) had to take part in 36 tests, Ostapenko and Swiatek around 30. Simona Halep, who ended her season in September due to an operation, is now hoping that her case will be cleared up. She has never intentionally taken a banned substance and will fight for the truth to the end.