Wimbledon champion banned for four years after refusing doping test | Tennis | Sport

Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has been banned from professional tennis for four years after refusing a doping test in December. Late last year, the former world No. 6 shared an Instagram story, hitting out when a doping control officer arrived at her door one evening for an out-of-competition test. Vondrousova called this a “serious intrusion into my privacy”.

In April, the Olympic silver medallist shared a new statement, explaining that she had reached “breaking point” and felt “scared” when someone rang her doorbell “late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol”. Vondrousova explained that she was not trying to evade a test and wanted to keep herself safe. She also said that experts confirmed she suffered from an Acute Stress Reaction and Generalised Anxiety Disorder.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) then confirmed that Vondrousova had been charged for refusing a test. And the body has now confirmed a four-year suspension for Vondrousova, claiming she provided “no compelling justification” for her refusal.

In a statement released on Monday, the ITIA said: “An independent tribunal has suspended Czech tennis player Marketa Vondrousova for four years for refusing an anti-doping test in December 2025.

“Vondrousova, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 6 in September 2023, did not submit a sample when notified by a Doping Control Officer (DCO) during an out-of-competition test attempt at her home at around 8pm on 3 December 2025.

“Under anti-doping rules, the starting point for a sanction when a player refuses a test must be the same as if they had tested positive. This is to ensure that anyone who is doping cannot serve a shorter ban simply by refusing to be tested.”

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The ITIA 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.

“Unpredictable testing is an essential tool to protect clean sport. The independent tribunal ultimately supported that principle. This case is an important reminder that players can be tested at any time, in any place, and that refusal comes with significant risk.”

During the hearing, Vondrousova explained that stress, poor mental health, and concerns for her safety affected her decision-making. The doping control officer who attempted to conduct the test also gave testimony. These were considered by the tribunal, which concluded that the evidence offered “no compelling justification” for refusing the test.

Vondrousova’s suspension will end on June 21, 2030, with a full written decision to be issued “in due course”. Vondrousova, the ITIA, and the Czech national anti-doping organisation all have a right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The ITIA noted that “independent and confidential wellbeing support” would be made available to the former Wimbledon champion.

In a statement, Vondrousova’s lawyer, Dr Jan Exner, told Express Sport: We will review the written reasons and decide on our next course of action. First, we must consult with Marketa; I do not want to speculate on further steps at this moment.”