Andrey Rublev says the ITIA’s newly-issued reminder on doping control rules is “a bit gloomy and stressful”
The ITIA issued a reminder about anti-doping rules that players must remain in full view of chaperones if they choose to take a shower before test.
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Anrey Rublev (via X)
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) came under fire from fans on social media after it issued a reminder about anti-doping rules, stating that players must remain in full view of chaperones if they choose to take a shower before giving their samples. Andrey Rublev reacted to the rule at the Madrid Open.
The ITIA sent a note to players but it surprisingly found its way on social media. In the note, the body revealed that although it had allowed players to shower after matches, which delayed doping tests and control measures, it was not an entitlement. It added that players opting to shower first must strictly adhere to the requirement of staying in full view of the chaperone observing them at all times.
It noted that failure to do so would be taken extremely seriously by the body. The move sparked a series of criticism from fans on social media. However, no player on social media has reacted to the statement by the ITIA. But at the Madrid Open, Rublev engaged in his first press conference as the defending champion and shared his views about it.
The Russians revealed several rules that players go through at the hands of the sports anti-doping body as a way of doping control. He added that he now begins to fear the test and has begun to visit his doctor more often.
It’s a bit of a gloomy issue, all players must log their daily whereabouts for these things. It’s very serious because if you forget to report your location three times or they can’t locate you, you could face up to a two-year ban. In my opinion, it’s unfair, you can ask the players and they’ll tell you how stressful it is. I even forgot to do it yesterday due to this trip to Madrid, but if I hadn’t come here, I would have been on the edge, so I got lucky. Over the years, you start to fear these things a lot, even with medications, I’m constantly checking with doctors.
Andrey Rublev said via Madrid Open Press
The ITIA has come under huge criticism recently after high-ranked players like Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner escaped long bans after testing positive for trimetazidine and clostebol, respectively.
Andrey Rublev reveals the stage of his partnership with Marat Safin
Andrey Rublev added former World No.1 Marat Safin to his coaching team ahead of the clay season. The World No.8 has struggled on the court to produce his best display consistently since winning the Qatar Open in February. In fact, he has only won two matches since that time. However, the Russian star is looking forward to learning from the best.
We haven’t worked on many things so far, only a couple of weeks. It’s a short time to tell you anything, but I can say I love having him around, love his presence and all he can teach me. We’ll see how it goes with time.
Andrey Rublev said
Apart from Rublev’s on-court struggles, he has also had to deal with off-court troubles. The 27-year-old has dealt with depression this season, which has affected his mental health. Nonetheless, he has declared that he has gotten better as the season progresses.
Andrey Rublev gets quite an easy draw at the Madrid Open
Madrid Open defending champion, Andrey Rublev, has been placed in what could easily be considered the weakest side of the draw. The Russian will avoid a potential meeting with former champions Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz until the final. However, he has a potential clash with Munich Open champion Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals.
The 27-year-old earned a first-round bye at the tournament, so will open his account against either a qualifier or Gael Monfils. He faced Monfils at the Monte Carlo Masters and defeated the Frenchman in straight sets. After that, he’s likely to meet Alexei Popyrin, who he beat at the Canadian Open last year to win his first ATP 1000 Masters title.
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