Tennis: Missed doping test: Ex-Wimbledon champion banned for a long time

This prevents a doping offender from avoiding a harsher punishment in this way. Vondrousova, who has not competed on the WTA tour since January, can still appeal the decision to the Cas International Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Vondrousova feels worn down and no longer safe

The 26-year-old justified the missed doping test in April with an anxiety disorder. The incident happened “because I reached my limits after months of physical and mental stress,” wrote the Czech, who triumphed at Wimbledon in 2023, on Instagram. She described in vivid terms that a doping inspector rang her doorbell late in the evening without properly identifying himself.

“I reacted the way someone who was scared in that moment would. It was about feeling safe, not about avoiding anything,” Vondrousova explained, also writing about her mental health. She struggled “for a long time with injuries, constant pressure and sleep problems”. This wore her down. “In addition, years of hateful messages and threats have left me feeling unsafe in my own home.”

Justification is not convincing

According to ITIA, the tennis player also stated at the hearing that stress, mental health and safety concerns influenced her decision. But this was “not a convincing justification,” it said.

“Our testers are well-trained and professional, and the gender of our test observer always matches that of the player,” said ITIA boss Karen Moorhouse: “They always carry ID with them, and players have the option to verify their identity by other means if they are ever unsure.”