The 2023 Wimbledon singles champion Marketa Vondrousova has been suspended from tennis for four years for refusing an anti-doping test.
An independent tribunal concluded that there was “no compelling justification” for the 26-year-old Czech to have not submitted a sample when notified by a doping control officer, out of competition and at her home, on the night of 3 December, 2025.
Vondrousova is not allowed to play in, coach at, or attend any events organised or sanctioned by the ITF, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association until 21 June 2030.
International Tennis Integrity Agency (ATIA) chief Karen Moorhouse said: “We understand that the testing process is uncomfortable, and acknowledge that it is an additional burden for players whose jobs already come with a high level of pressure and scrutiny, but it is essential to protect fair competition.
“Unpredictable testing is an essential tool to protect clean sport. The independent tribunal ultimately supported that principle. This case is an important reminder that players can be tested at any time, in any place, and that refusal comes with significant risk.”
According to an ATIA statement, Vondrousova, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 6 in September 2023, claimed during the hearing that “stress and poor mental health had affected her decision making, in addition to concerns for her safety”.
The statement continued: “The tribunal considered this in their decision, as well as testimony from the doping control officer who attempted to conduct the test, and concluded that the evidence offered ‘no compelling justification’ for the test refusal.”
Vondrousova, as well as ATIA and the national anti-doping organisation, have the right to appeal to the court of arbitration for sport.
The palyer’s lawyer Jan Exner told Reuters by email that they would review the written reasons for Vondrousova’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.
