Legal and Financial Support for Tennis Players in Doping Investigations
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced a new support program for tennis players involved in investigations for doping or match-fixing. This program offers free legal assistance, confidential advice, and financial support for product testing. The program, which will take effect immediately, will be reviewed next year. Tennis players can receive up to $5,000 to analyze medications or supplements in laboratories accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). They can also access the same amount to identify potential sources of contamination in food, a common explanation in doping cases. Sport Resolutions, an independent dispute resolution service that manages tribunals for anti-doping cases in tennis, will expand its free legal support. This service will be available from the moment a player tests positive for a prohibited substance, and not just after being charged, as it was previously. In addition, Sporting Chance, an organization working on the mental health of athletes, will offer six well-being support sessions to those being investigated for anti-doping or anti-corruption violations.We recognize that the process can have both a financial and emotional cost.
Karen Moorhouse, CEO of ITIA
The ITIA was involved in two high-profile doping cases in tennis that began last year and resulted in short suspensions for renowned players. Jannik Sinner reached an agreement with the AMA to accept a three-month suspension that ended in April, following the agency’s appeal of an ITIA exoneration, based on what was determined to be accidental contamination by an anabolic steroid. Iga Swiatek agreed to a one-month suspension that was partially served during the off-season, after testing positive for what she described as a contaminated over-the-counter medication. Some tennis players, such as Novak Djokovic, have criticized the way these cases have been handled, pointing out a possible feeling of favoritism towards the big stars of the sport.No player picks up a tennis racket as a child with any motivation other than to play the game. People find themselves in these situations for many reasons, so, no matter what those reasons are and where the case ends up, they also deserve someone to talk to.
Karen Moorhouse, CEO of ITIA
