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Vondrousova faces up to a four-year ban after refusing a December drug test — citing fear, stress and anxiety. ITIA confirms investigation without immediate suspension.
Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova (AFP)
Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has found herself at the centre of a storm after being charged with a doping violation.
Not for a failed test, but for refusing one.
The charge, brought by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, relates to an out-of-competition test in December.
Under anti-doping rules, refusal to provide a sample can carry the same weight as a positive test, with penalties stretching up to a four-year ban.
According to the ITIA, she is being investigated for “refusing or failing to submit to Sample collection without compelling justification after notification by a duly authorized Person.”
“I Reached A Breaking Point”
Vondrousova, 26, has been quick to respond and open up.
“It is very tough for me to talk about this, but I want to be transparent with you about my mental health,” the Czech ace wrote on Instagram.
“For a long time, I’ve been dealing with injury, constant pressure and ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile. It slowly wore me down more than I probably realised.”
She explained that the incident unfolded late at night, when an unidentified individual rang her doorbell after 8 p.m. and demanded a urine sample.
“I reacted as a person who felt scared. In that moment, it was about feeling safe, not about avoiding anything.”
Past Trauma Adds To Fear
The situation was further complicated by memories of a chilling real-life incident involving fellow Czech star Petra Kvitova, who was attacked in her home in 2016 by a man posing as a service worker.
“After what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly,” Vondrousova said.
Medical experts, she revealed, have since diagnosed her with Acute Stress Reaction and Generalized Anxiety Disorder — conditions that influenced her response that night.
Investigation Ongoing, Career in Balance
The ITIA has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with no immediate suspension in place.
“We can confirm that an investigation is underway… at this stage, we are not able to comment further,” the governing body said.
April 18, 2026, 11:57 IST
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