In a Thanksgiving Day surprise for the tennis world, it was revealed that World No. 2 Iga Swiatek tested positive for contaminated melatonin in August 2024.
Tennis Channel reports that she was provisionally suspended from September 22 to October 4. She also accepted a one-month suspension that ends on December 4, 2024.
🚨 Iga Swiatek tested positive for a banned substance in August 2024 due to contaminated melatonin.
Swiatek was provisionally suspended from September 22nd to October 4th and accepted a one month suspension which will end on December 4th. pic.twitter.com/WvOipdysn5
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 28, 2024
What We Know About Iga Swiatek’s Issue
Iga Swiatek was found to have no significant fault or negligence for taking a contaminated melatonin supplement that contained trimetazidine. Trimetazidine is a drug that is known to improve cardiac function.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency has already ruled that she was not at fault.
Swiatek has not yet publicly spoken about this.
The Rulings Are Coming Faster
Simona Halep’s fans must have mixed feelings at how fast rulings are coming on failed drug tests these days. Her failed test kept her out of the game for over a year.
Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner’s issues were resolved quickly, and fans were not informed about them until after the fact.
With more incidents of accidental ingestion, it makes fans wonder if that is why these issues are becoming more streamlined.
When Did Iga Swiatek Last Play?
Swiatek last played in women’s singles in the WTA Finals in Riyadh in early November. She won her match against Daria Kasatkina (who filled in for the injured Jessica Pegula) on November 7 but did not qualify for the semifinals.
She represented Team Poland at the Billie Jean King Cup. On November 20, Team Poland lost to eventual champion Italy in the semifinals.
What Else Is New With Iga Swiatek?
Swiatek was mentally and physically exhausted after the US Open. This could have been part of what was weighing on her and part of the reason she was using melatonin to get rest.
She did not play the Asian swing after the US Open which she attributed to changing coaches and getting rest. Swiatek arrived at the WTA Finals with new coach Wim Fissette and looking more relaxed.
