Coco Gauff launches support for Iga Swiatek by claiming the Pole did not ‘intentionally’ dope

Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek recently played each other representing USA and Poland at the United Cup this month.

Coco Gauff launches support for Iga Swiatek by claiming the Pole did not ‘intentionally’ dope

Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff (via X)

World No. 3 Coco Gauff has spoken in defense of Iga Swiatek regarding the Pole’s recent doping controversy. The former World No. 1 was suspended for a month late last year after testing positive for trimetazidine.

Many current and former athletes have criticized Swiatek and tennis authorities for a lack of accountability. However, Gauff believes that the World No. 2 did not act with intent.

YouTube video

No. I mean, I wouldn’t say she’s dropped her confidence. For me, I don’t know like her personally well, but just from the interactions that we’ve had, I definitely don’t think anything she did was intentional. I feel like I don’t think she was maybe — I mean, like I found out with the rest of the world. I don’t think she is not confident in herself. She’s playing great tennis.

Coco Gauff said on the Australian Open pre-tournament press conference

Gauff has been the standout player in recent months. The American won the WTA Finals, defeating Qinwen Zheng in the championship match. She followed that victory by helping the USA win the United Cup alongside Taylor Fritz.

The match we played, I just happened to be a little better that day, maybe won a few points. It could have easily went the other way. I think she’s fine. I don’t know her well enough to tell you if she feels some type of way about it. Yeah, I can just say from what I see I think she’s doing fine. She’s still No. 2 in the world and playing amazing tennis. She’s always going to play amazing tennis, so… Yeah, I think she’ll be fine.”

Coco Gauff added

Meanwhile, Swiatek, like Gauff, will also be chasing her first Grand Slam title in Australia. The Pole has struggled to dominate outside of clay, winning just one of the five Grand Slam tournaments held outside Roland Garros.

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek set for further dominance in 2025

For the past three years, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka have dominated the WTA rankings. Their intense rivalry has pushed both players to improve and stay on top. Together, they have won seven of the last 11 Grand Slam titles, including three of four in 2024.

Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka (3)
Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

Swiatek first took the No. 1 spot in April 2022 after Ashleigh Barty retired. She held the position for 75 weeks before Sabalenka briefly overtook her after the 2023 US Open. However, Swiatek regained it eight weeks later by ending the year with an 11-match winning streak, including a crucial semifinal win against Sabalenka at the WTA Finals.

Sabalenka reclaimed the No. 1 ranking at the end of 2024 after an incredible run, winning 20 of 21 matches. Her victories in Cincinnati, the US Open, and Wuhan solidified her position. Overcoming struggles with her serve, Sabalenka improved significantly and won her first Grand Slam at the 2023 Australian Open, repeating her success there in 2024.

Swiatek had a strong start to 2024, winning four WTA 1000 titles and her fourth Roland Garros trophy. However, she struggled in the second half of the year, failing to win a tournament for five months. She ended the season with a new coach, Wim Fissette, and a renewed focus, ready to make improvements for 2025.