Tennis star Iga Swiatek issues thinly- veiled swipe at Nick Kyrgios after doping saga – ‘obviously there are going to be some negative comments’
- The Polish star feared her reputation had been tarnished
- Recently followed a one-month doping ban
- Nick Kyrgios was vocal in his criticism
Tennis star Iga Swiatek has admitted she feared her reputation would be in tatters after a positive doping test result earlier this year – before raising eyebrows when she declared ‘there will obviously be some negative comments’ in a likely swipe at Australian Nick Kyrgios.
It comes after Kyrgios was vocal in his criticism following the four-week bans handed out to Swiatek and men’s world number one Jannik Sinner, who escaped any sanction for the same offence.
Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek, 23, tested positive in an out-of-competition test for a banned substance in August.
The world number two was given a one-month suspension by the ITIA, which accepted that the test result was caused by a contamination of her sleeping medication.
Sinner, the defending Australian Open champion, escaped a ban in August despite failing two anti-doping tests.
The sport was then rocked by a third doping saga when Aussie Max Purcell was handed a voluntary provisional ban after admitting breaches of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP).
Tennis star Iga Swiatek has admitted she feared the reaction to her positive doping test – before stating that ‘there will be some negative comments’ in a possible swipe at Nick Kyrgios
It comes after Kyrgios was vocal in his criticism following the four-week ban imposed on Swiatek and men’s world number one Jannik Sinner, who escaped any sanction for the same offence.
Kyrgios tweeted on X ‘our sport is done’ after Iga Swiatek’s ban in August
The Australian was astounded. Part of Jannik Sinner’s defense was the use of massage cream
World number one Sinner will attempt to defend his title at the Australian Open in January
The sport was then rocked by a third doping saga when Aussie Max Purcell (pictured) was handed a voluntary provisional ban after admitting breaches of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP) just before Christmas.
“This news was devastating to me as I pride myself on being an athlete who always ensures everything is WADA safe,” said Purcell posted on Instagram before Christmas, once the development became public.
“I have voluntarily provided this information to the ITIA and have been as transparent as possible in my effort to put this entire situation behind me. I’m looking forward to being back on the track soon.”
Meanwhile, ahead of her United Cup campaign in Sydney, Swiatek was “very grateful” she has not been subjected to intense criticism.
“The reaction in Poland – because this is mainly what I read – has been quite supportive,” she said.
“I really appreciate that because even when I missed the Chinese swing and no one knew why it wasn’t that easy.
“After information about my case came out, I was afraid that most people would turn their backs on me, but I felt the support and that’s great.”
Swiatek also does not expect WADA to appeal her case – and had a message for those who question her integrity.
“Obviously there’s going to be some negative comments and you’re not going to avoid that,” she said.
“That’s something that will always haunt us, no matter what.”