ITIA under spotlight against after issuing directives to players regarding taking shower before giving sample for dope test

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has once again come under scrutiny after issuing a directive for players to take a shower before undergoing a doping test. The disciplinary body has come under severe criticism after men’s world number one Jannik Sinner managed to escape any ban despite testing positive in two dope tests in March last year.

The ITIA declared the three-time Grand Slam winner innocent following a detailed hearing where his counsel claimed that the substance was available in the player’s sample because he came in close contact with his physio, Naldi, who used to spray for the treatment of a cut on his finger. His misery, however, continued as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decided to appeal the verdict. The case concluded after both Sinner and WADA agreed that the player would stay out of action for three months and would return to the court just before the start of the Rome Masters in May.

In addition to that, women’s world number two Iga Swiatek was handed just a three-month ban after she tested positive in a dope test. That criticism has not stopped the ITIA from issuing an interesting statement where they claimed that players deciding to take a shower before giving a sample must be aware of ‘chaperones’.

"We recognise that parts of the anti-doping testing process are uncomfortable," the ITIA said in a statement. "However, as with all World Anti-Doping Agency-compliant sports - not just tennis - players who are notified for a test after a match are observed at all times by an anti-doping chaperone until the test is completed. Player welfare is a priority and so we will continue to advocate for their right to do this. However it is important any activity does not impact the integrity of the sample. We regularly remind players of specific rules, and we are happy to answer any questions they may have."