Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova received a four-year ban on Monday for refusing to undergo an anti-doping test. The incident occurred when a doping control officer arrived at her home in December 2025 to conduct an out-of-competition test.
The 26-year-old Czech player, who won Wimbledon in 2023, said that “months of physical and mental stress” influenced her decision, along with personal safety concerns. On Instagram in April, she wrote that she was frightened when the doping control officer knocked on her door late in the evening “without properly identifying themselves or following procedures.” She explained, “At that moment, I just wanted to feel safe, not to avoid anything.”
Under the rules, players must provide their whereabouts during a fixed period each day so that authorities can carry out unannounced doping tests. After reviewing statements from Vondrousova and the control officer, an independent tribunal concluded that the evidence presented “did not provide any convincing reason” for the world No. 122’s refusal to be tested.
Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), said: “We understand that the testing process can be intrusive and acknowledge it is an added burden on players, who already face high pressure and scrutiny. However, it is vital to protect fair competition.” She added that testing officers are properly trained, always carry identification, and the gender of the testing witness always matches the player. Vondrousova’s ban runs until June 21, 2030.
During the ban, the Czech player is not allowed to play, coach, or attend any event organized by the ITF, WTA, ATP, Grand Slams, or national federations. Her lawyer, Jan Exner, said he would review the ruling before deciding whether to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Exner told AFP: “Basically, when we receive the ruling, we will read the explanation and decide on the next steps, but first I want to consult Marketa and not speculate.”
Vondrousova, who has won three WTA singles titles, became the first unseeded player to win the women’s singles title at Wimbledon when she beat Ons Jabeur in straight sets in the final three years ago. She also reached the French Open final in 2019, won a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 6 in 2023. Since the start of this year, she has played only two matches on the WTA Tour, withdrawing from the Adelaide International in January due to a shoulder injury.
