Players accused of doping could get financial assistance in new program launched by International Tennis Integrity Agency

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) recently kicked off a new trial that will see players accused of doping eligible for financial support if they participate in the program.

The aforementioned players will be able to use the financial aid to test products like supplements in a laboratory, or to identify sources of potential meat contamination. The program also includes a degree of free legal support and confidential third-party counselling.

Tennis superstars Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek are two high-profile names that were involved in doping controversies last year. Both cases were resolved relatively quickly, with Sinner receiving a three-month suspension while Swiatek was handed a one-month ban.

The punishment received by the high-ranking duo was pale in comparison to British tennis player Tara Moore. The former World No.145 was handed a four-year ban for an anti-doping rule violation in 2022.

The new scheme will be open to players from the moment they test positive, rather than when they are charged. However, long-term support is dependent on finding lawyers who are prepared to work for free. Additionally, up to $5,000 (£3,730) worth of assistance will be available to those who wish to use a Wada-accredited laboratory to prepare a case.

"Anyone who finds themselves part of either an anti-doping or anti-corruption investigation deserves the opportunity to defend or explain themselves, and we recognize the process can come at both a financial and emotional cost," said ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse. "No player picks up a tennis racquet as a child with any motivation other than playing the game.
"Individuals find themselves in these situations for a lot of reasons, and so no matter what those reasons are, and where the case ends up, they also deserve someone to talk to."

Individuals will also be able to sign up for six sessions at Sporting Chance, the mental health organization set up to support professional athletes. The trial will be reviewed at the end of 2026.