Iga Swiatek’s doping case: 'Friendship' with WADA president sparks controversy

The doping case involving Iga Swiatek continues to spark reactions after media outlets highlighted her friendship with WADA President Witold Banka. The former 400m sprinter has publicly praised the 5-time Grand Slam champion on social media several times in the past.

Swiatek tested positive for Trimetazidine, a heart medication banned under anti-doping regulations. Reports suggest the substance entered her system through contaminated melatonin, which she uses to combat jet lag. While this explains the unintentional ingestion, Swiatek was not fully exonerated and accepted a one-month suspension.

The 4-time Roland Garros champion was suspended by the ITIA on November 27, more than three months after testing positive—a period during which the case remained undisclosed, allowing Swiatek to continue competing. Her suspension ends on December 4, enabling her to return to the Tour when it resumes in 2024.

Sports journalist Edmund Willison has criticised WADA President Witold Banka for his past praise of Swiatek, arguing that a senior figure in an anti-doping institution should maintain neutrality. Willison revealed a series of tweets from Banka lauding Swiatek, including:

"‘IGA - Incredible, Genius, Amazing 😉 Bravo.’ Just the five tweets from the WADA president Witold Banka praising Iga Swiatek over the years. WADA now has the right of appeal. Better for anti-doping officials to keep it neutral. You never know what's around the corner."

As in the case of Jannik Sinner, the delay in making the information public has drawn attention. Over the weekend, Swiatek used social media to address the ordeal. “I'm finally allowed… so I instantly want to share with you something that became the worst experience of my life,” she wrote.

“In the last 2.5 months, I was subject to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence. The only positive doping test in my career, showing unbelievably low levels of a banned substance I've never heard about before, put everything I've worked so hard for my entire life into question. Both me and my team had to deal with tremendous stress and anxiety,” she added.