Daria Kasatkina criticizes strict rules surrounding drug tests on tour - "They don't put any effort in"

In light of the recent doping controversy involving Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner, WTA player Daria Kasatkina has opened up about the strict rules involved in the process, recalling a personal incident that occurred last year.

Although Sinner tested positive for a banned substance earlier this year, the World No.1 and his legal team fought against any suspension. This led to several fans highlighting the supposed double standard with which the Sinner case was handled, as opposed to other athletes who had tested positive in the past. Nonetheless, Kasatkina defended Sinner, claiming she believed the US Open champion was innocent of any wrongdoing.

The World No.13 gave some insight into the strict rules that were placed around drug testing. Kasatkina revealed she missed a drug test last year at Indian Wells, due to the fact that she left for practice early and was not in her room during the assigned time. The Russian said she received no phone call afterwards but was immediately served with a strike through email.

"I had a mishap last year in Indian Wells," said Kasatkina. "I always set the slot for 6-7 am. But we had an early practice on one day because we just did, doesn't matter why. It was early. It just was. Yes at 8 am. And of course, I must leave the hotel in advance. And it was during the tournament. So I left hotel and I get the notice by email saying 'you've missed this and that....'. they didn't call me on my phone, they stopped by my hotel, called my room, saw I wasn't there and left.
"Guys come on, I am at a tournament, can't you contact anyone from the management? Ask where Daria is. I am not just lounging somewhere, I am at the tournament already. They don't put any effort in and go 'That's it, that's a strike'."