Tennis players facing doping or match-fixing charges will now find some relief. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced this Wednesday a new support system. This includes legal, psychological, and financial help for those caught in such proceedings. It marks a significant step in how the sport addresses these challenging situations.
Players can receive up to $5,000, roughly €4,300, to use specific resources. This money covers tests at a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited lab. The goal is to examine medications, supplements, or even food. This helps players try to prove any contamination was involuntary.
Beyond just financial aid, the new plan offers more. Tennis players will get free legal help right after a positive anti-doping test. They can also access free psychological support sessions. This aims to ease the burden during a stressful time.
Karen Moorhouse, the ITIA Executive Director, explained the reasoning. “We know this process can carry emotional and financial costs,” she stated. “No player picks up a racket as a child with any motive other than to play the game.” She added that players find themselves in these situations for many reasons. “Whatever the reason, and however the case ends, everyone deserves someone to talk to.”
These new support measures are in effect immediately. The ITIA plans to review them again in 2026. This allows for adjustments based on their effectiveness.
The ITIA has handled some very public anti-doping cases. Italian Jannik Sinner and Polish Iga Swiatek, both players who have previously topped the world rankings, were involved. Sinner reached an agreement with WADA for a three-month suspension. This was due to alleged involuntary contamination by an anabolic steroid from his physiotherapist. Swiatek served a one-month suspension after being contaminated by a non-prescription medicine. These cases show the complex nature of doping accusations in tennis.