LONDON (FN) — Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, was handed a four year suspension Monday after refusing to submit to an anti-doping test at her home in December 2025.
The 26-year-old Czech, currently ranked world No. 122, told an independent tribunal that stress, mental health struggles, and concerns for her safety influenced her decision. The panel, however, ruled that her explanation offered “no compelling justification” for refusing the test.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the ban, which runs until June 21, 2030. During the suspension, Vondrousova is barred from playing, coaching, or attending events organized by the ITF, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or national associations.
ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse acknowledged the pressures athletes face but stressed the importance of testing. “We understand that the process is uncomfortable, but it is essential to protect fair competition,” she said, adding that testers are trained, carry identification, and match the gender of the player being tested.
Vondrousova made history at Wimbledon three years ago as the first unseeded woman to win the singles title, defeating Ons Jabeur in straight sets. She also reached the French Open final in 2019, won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, and climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 6 in 2023.
Her suspension is one of the most high-profile doping-related cases in recent tennis history, raising questions about athlete welfare and the balance between mental health concerns and strict anti-doping rules.
