Ajla Tomljanovic Slams ITIA for Handing Marketa Vondrousova 4-Year Ban: “They’re So Cocky”

Ajla Tomljanovic learned about Marketa Vondrousova‘s doping scandal after her first match at the Eastbourne International, and like many, she was greatly shocked. Vondrousova will be missing four years just because she refused a drug test.

Last December, a female doping control officer came to her home at 8 pm. According to the ITIA, Vondrousova signed a form outside her home stating that she refused to take the test before taking her dog for a walk. She was told that refusing the test would have consequences.

According to the 26-year-old, she was scared by the presence of a stranger outside her home. The independent tribunal, however, found “no compelling justification” for her reason to refuse the test. Reacting to the whole thing, Tomljanovic said:

I wouldn’t be comfortable if I’m living alone and someone comes at 8 or whenever. Overall, I can count on one hand good experiences with these people. I think they’re always out to get you. They’re not very nice.

Ajla Tomljanovic said (H/T: The Guardian)

The ITIA is once again facing accusations of providing preferential treatment to the high-profile players. In 2024, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek failed the drug test, with the ATP No.1 failing it twice. But they didn’t get a long ban as they successfully provided the source of contamination before the deadline.

While Swiatek was suspended for just one month, the ATP World No.1, after initially escaping a ban, had to spend three months on the sidelines. It was the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that banned Sinner after initially demanding a ban of between one and two years on the four-time Grand Slam champion.

It’s kind of a disgrace what’s happened to Marketa. It’s really sad that we’re part of a sport where I think that if you’re… like the treatment isn’t equal. Equality is what we strive for. It’s just insane. I hope she appeals. I hope it gets better, but it’s never good when the first ruling is a four‑year ban. I just think that the whole ITIA they’re so cocky. They’re almost out to get you, even if you are doing nothing wrong.

Ajla Tomljanovic added

Tomljanovic’s run in Eastbourne ended with a three-set defeat to Tereza Valentova in the round of 16. The Aussie will next be seen in action at Wimbledon, with the main draw set to start on June 29. Tomljanovic has made two quarterfinals at Wimbledon (2021 and 2022).

Fran Jones reacts to Marketa Vondrousova’s doping scandal

Marketa Vondrousova has received messages of support from some of her fellow players. British ace Fran Jones, who lost her opening-round match at the Eastbourne International to Jelena Ostapenko, said she got goosebumps thinking about the former World No.6’s four-year ban.

I have a lot of empathy for Marketa. I think a four-year ban is extreme for someone that’s never had a negative test. And I really feel for the girl. She’s a really good person. I just have goosebumps saying it. I can’t imagine how she feels today.

Fran Jones said (H/T: The Guardian)

Vondrousova last played a match in this year’s Adelaide International. Physical issues forced her to hand the walkover to her second-round opponent.

Vondrousova, the winner of three singles titles, last clinched a title at the Berlin Open last year. Apart from her 2023 Wimbledon win (beat Ons Jabeur), Vondrousova also reached the final of the 2019 French Open, losing the match to Ash Barty. She also made three more Grand Slam quarterfinals.

Also read: Popular American Pundit Dismisses Alexander Zverev’s Wimbledon Chances Despite Recent Roland Garros Glory