LONDON — Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova was handed a four-year suspension on Monday for refusing an anti-doping test.
Vondrousova did not submit a sample when notified by a doping control officer during an out-of-competition test attempt at her home in December 2025.
The 26-year-old Czech, who won Wimbledon in 2023, claimed “months of physical and mental stress” affected her decision making, in addition to concerns for her safety.
Writing on Instagram in April, Vondrousova said she was scared when the doping officer approached her door late in the evening “without properly identifying themselves or following protocol.
“In that moment it was about feeling safe, not about avoiding anything,” Vondrousova added according to AFP.
Players are required to log their whereabouts for an allotted hour each day so that authorities can conduct anti-doping tests outside of competition.
An independent tribunal considered Vondrousova’s claims, as well as testimony from the doping control officer who attempted to conduct the test.
The tribunal concluded that the evidence offered “no compelling justification” for the world number 122 to refuse the test.
International Tennis Integrity Agency CEO, Karen Moorhouse said: “We understand that the testing process is uncomfortable, and acknowledge that it is an additional burden for players whose jobs already come with a high level of pressure and scrutiny, but it is essential to protect fair competition.
“Safety and welfare of players and our testers is really important to us. Our testers are well-trained, professional, and the gender of our testing witness always matches the player.
“They carry ID at all times, and players are able to verify their identity in other ways if they are ever unsure.”
Vondrousova’s suspension will end on June 21, 2030.
