Iga Swiatek ‘really gained respect’ after ‘powerful’ explanation about doping scandal, claims former World No. 9
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek uploaded a video to explain in detail how she was contaminated due to melatonin in August.
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Iga Swiatek (Image via X)
Former World No. 9 Andrea Petkovic was ‘moved by’ Iga Swiatek‘s videos where she explained how she tested positive for the banned drug trimetazidine. Petkovic lauded the World No.2 for her handling of the scandal.
When the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) released the statement about Swiatek’s case, the Pole shared a video on her social media and revealed in detail how she got contaminated which caused her great distress.
I think Iga Swiatek handled it the best of all players with her videos, speaking right down the barrel, in her language where she feels most comfortable with the translation of course, and subtitles.
Andrea Petkovic said on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast
Swiatek failed the drug test in August and was handed a one-month ban which she served. She also missed three tournaments in Asia (Korea Open, China Open, and Wuhan Open), which affected her rankings as she lost her No.1 spot.
I thought that was really powerful from her and I have to say she really gained respect and appreciation about what she did there. I think that’s really hard.
Andrea Petkovic added
Even though Swiatek received praise from Petkovic, she made many enemies on the tour as well, for many criticized her for her ignorance about what she had been consuming.
Swiatek was taking melatonin to deal with jet lag and sleep issues and the ITIA accepted the explanation. Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios is one of her critics as he claimed the 23-year-old was simply making an ‘excuse’ for failing the drug test.
Iga Swiatek reveals support she received from WTA colleagues
Iga Swiatek opened up about her doping controversy in an interview. She revealed how many colleagues understood her and supported her.
I definitely received more signs of support, especially in private messages. I talked to many female athletes and most of them told me that this was their biggest fear, that something like this could happen to them.
Iga Swiatek said on Fakty po Faktach on TVN24 GO
During the same interview, Swiatek also revealed she spent ’70 thousand dollars on a lawyer, 15 thousand euros on expert opinions and tests’ to prove her innocence. Swiatek, who faced criticism for avoiding a harsh punishment, claimed she revealed the amounts to make all aware of the problems faced by athletes who do not earn as much as her.
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Gouri Das
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