"I'm not scum": Former NCAA champion concurs with Reilly Opelka's controversial views on Adderall and states all tennis players take it
Tennis NewsSunday, 22 October 2023 at 02:30
Thai-Son
Kwiatkowski has accused his fellow tennis players of reported Adderall use.
Controversy about use of Adderall by tennis players
The
controversy surrounding the use of stimulant medications in pro tennis
has resurfaced, with statements from world No. 318 Kwiatkowski, a tennis player
who primarily competes in the ATP Challenger Tour. He has expressed concerns
that many of his peers on the men's circuit are using stimulant medications
intended for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The
28-year-old tennis player stirred up controversy by sharing a report about the
shortage of Adderall, a medication used to treat ADHD, on social media. In his
post, he implied that the global supply of this medication has been affected
due to the alleged abuse by tennis players.
"Probably
because every tennis player is taking it…" he wrote on X (formerly
Twitter).
A user
asked whether Kwiatkowski himself would be involved in the situation, but the
American athlete responded emphatically:
"Nope
I’m not scum," he wrote.
Verdasco suspension also due to ADHD medication
The debate
on the use of concentration-enhancing medications in tennis intensified last
year when former world No. 7, Fernando Verdasco, was suspended for doping after
using methylphenidate, another medication for ADHD.
Tennis
journalist Ben Rothenberg furthered the discussion by claiming that a
professional had informed him that approximately half of the top 100 men were
using Adderall to gain a competitive advantage.
"One
ATP player told me today he estimates 'half of top 100 is on it…maybe more.'
And not because they have trouble focusing while doing their homework. Lots of
cynicism about the TUE system within the locker room," he wrote on X
(formerly Twitter) last year.
Opelka already described Adderall as harming tennis
Reilly
Opelka, a former world No. 17, also joined the discussion, advocating for the
ban on the use of ADHD medications in professional tennis. Opelka likened the
use of these medications to performance-enhancing substances like steroids and
argued that a similar ban should be imposed. "Ban
Adderall," Opelka wrote in one of his Instagram stories.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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