Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova banned for four years for refusing anti-doping test
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has suspended Czech player Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon winner, for four years after she refused an out-of-competition doping test last December. An independent tribunal found her explanations of stress, poor mental health and safety concerns did not offer a compelling justification.
The refusal
On 3 December 2025, at around 8 p.m., a doping control officer attempted an out-of-competition test at Vondrousova's home in Prague. She did not submit a sample. According to the ITIA, she was notified but refused.
The player's explanation
Vondrousova said in April that she was at a breaking point after months of physical and mental strain. She described the controller ringing her doorbell late in the evening without showing proper identification, leaving her afraid for her safety. She referenced the 2016 attack that left fellow Czech Petra Kvitova with a career-threatening hand injury after opening her door to a stranger. During the hearing, she maintained that stress, mental health and safety fears had affected her decision, but the tribunal concluded these reasons provided "no compelling justification".
ITIA's ruling and rationale
Under anti-doping rules, a refusal is treated the same as a positive test to prevent anyone from avoiding a harder sanction by simply not providing a sample. ITIA Chief Executive Karen Moorhouse stressed that testers are well trained, carry identification and that the gender of the chaperone always matches that of the player. Athletes who are uncertain can verify identity through other means.Unpredictable testing is an essential tool to protect clean sport. The independent tribunal has upheld that principle. This case is an important reminder that players can be tested any time, anywhere, and that refusal carries significant risk.
The ban and its impact
Vondrousova, now 26 and ranked 122nd, has been sidelined since withdrawing from the Adelaide International in January because of a shoulder injury. The suspension runs until 21 June 2030, when she will be 30. During that time she cannot play, train or attend any event organised or sanctioned by the ITF, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams or any national association.
- Doping control officer attempts out-of-competition test at Vondrousova's Prague home; she refuses to provide a sample.
- Vondrousova withdraws from the Adelaide International due to a shoulder injury and stops competing.
- She explains the refusal on Instagram, citing a fear disorder, burnout and security concerns.
- ITIA announces a four-year suspension effective until 21 June 2030.
- Suspension ends; Vondrousova will be 30 years old.
Reactions and next steps
German player Eva Lys reacted sharply on social media. Vondrousova herself posted an emotional message on Instagram, describing the fear that her career was no longer in her own hands and adding: "The whole time you hope that the truth will be enough. … But sometimes it's just not enough." Both the player and the ITIA have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).That's COMPLETELY crazy. I'm sending Marketa so much love.
