In a major update on her doping controversy, Iga Swiatek was officially removed from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) sanctions list
Swiatek failed an out-of-competition drug test in August. She tested positive for a banned substance called trimetazidine, as ITIA provisionally suspended her from the tour. The Pole explained her innocence in the case, stating that the presence of the banned substance was a result of contamination. ITIA accepted the statement and handed her a one-month ban.
The month-long ban ended on Wednesday, December 4, with ITIA removing Swiatek from their official website’s sanctions list the subsequent day.
Amid her doping row, Swiatek faced serious criticism from fans and even players on the tour. Nick Kyrgios slammed the Pole, dismissing her explanation as an “excuse.” He suggested that such explanations were a reflection of unaccountability among sports professionals, a statement that was vouched for by Canadian player Eugenie Bouchard.
In an apparent attempt to start fresh amidst the controversies, Iga Swiatek made major changes to her team. She split up with her longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski and appointed Wim Fissette. The Belgian coach boasts a great profile, having previously worked with Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters, and Angelique Kerber.
Swiatek also hired a new public relations manager for her team. She dismissed Paula Wolecka to appoint Polish Tennis Association (PTA) member Daria Sulgostowska.
