Former Wimbledon women’s champion Vondrousova gets four-year ban for refusing doping test

Former Wimbledon women’s champion Marketa Vondrousova has been handed a four-year suspension for refusing an anti-doping test in December, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on June 22.

Her suspension will end on June 21, 2030, when the two-time Grand Slam finalist from the Czech Republic will be 30 years old.

ITIA said in a statement Vondrousova did not submit a sample when notified by a doping control officer during an out-of-competition test attempt at her home at around 8pm on Dec 3.

Vondrousova said during a hearing that stress, poor mental health and concerns for her safety had affected her decision making when she refused to submit a sample.

However, the tribunal concluded that the evidence offered “no compelling justification” for the test refusal, the ITIA added.

Vondrousova wrote on Instagram that she had never doped, and that a dope test taken three days after the Dec 3 incident came back negative.

“I have never had a positive test. Throughout my entire career, I have undergone countless anti-doping controls and have always stepped on to the court with a clear conscience,” she wrote.

“Just three days after the incident that ultimately changed my life, I was tested again. The result was negative. Just like every test before it.”

Vondrousova’s lawyer Jan Exner told Reuters by e-mail that they would review the written reasons for the player’s suspension before deciding their next course of action.

“First, we must consult with Marketa; I do not want to speculate on further steps at this moment,” he added.

Former world No. 6 Vondrousova has not competed since pulling out of the Adelaide International in January due to a shoulder injury. REUTERS