Svitolina on Anti-Doping Testing System: "The Rules Have Become Stricter and Tests More Sensitive"

Adrien Guyot

le 23/04/2025 à 07h40

2 min to read

Svitolina

World No. 17 Elina Svitolina claimed her 18th WTA title last weekend at the Rouen tournament after defeating Olga Danilovic in the final (6-4, 7-6). The Ukrainian ended a nearly two-year drought, having not won a tournament since Strasbourg in 2023.

In recent months, the issue of doping has resurfaced in tennis after Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, the top players on the men's and women's tours, were both suspended for different reasons. Svitolina addressed the topic of anti-doping controls, stating that it remains a constant concern for athletes.

"Doping is an unpleasant subject for any athlete. You have to think about it every day—report your whereabouts, make sure you're available for testing at any time. You must specify an exact time when you’ll definitely be at home, usually early in the morning to ensure you’re there.

And when you’re selected for a doping test after a match, they literally follow you everywhere. They even watch you shower to make sure you don’t accidentally pee in there!

Then they follow you until you provide a sample. It’s very uncomfortable, especially when the person doesn’t know you and stands a meter away while you’re trying to go. It’s awkward, to say the least.

There are also cases where people get caught because of contaminated supplements or food, like Mexican or Chinese meat containing hormones.

Even something as simple as a vitamin or face cream has to be checked. Once, I bought a basic dry-skin cream at the pharmacy.

When I asked the doctor if it was safe, they told me I could only use it outside of tournaments. During competition, that cream could trigger a positive result.

It’s mentally exhausting. You always have to stay alert because anything can happen. Can you imagine? An over-the-counter cream… Things have gotten absurd.

The rules have become stricter, and the tests more sensitive. Sometimes, even tiny amounts can lead to a positive test. It’s a constant worry," the Ukrainian told Tribuna.