After it was introduced that the WTA world No. 2 examined optimistic for trimetazidine (TMZ) and accepted a one-month ban, the Russian tennis legend despatched out a collection of posts on X. Whereas he did not point out the Pole by the identify in any of his posts, it was fairly clear that he was referring to that specific case.
In his first response, Kafelnikov stated he generally regretted not utilizing banned substances throughout his profession. Then, he additionally bluntly added that it was “shame” to see what was occurring in tennis. By this comment, he in all probability additionally Jannik Sinner’s case in thoughts
“Sometimes I wonder…..,’why the hell up I was not using steroids thru all of my carrier, so I could play instead of 170 matches a year to maybe 300?’ This is really shame what’s happening to tennis now,” the previous world No. 1 wrote on X.
In one other submit, the 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medalist urged that these instances may make it look to youthful gamers that they “could take doping but get away with it.”
“And the sad part to all of this is that young and upcoming players(12-16 years old) look at they idols and think maybe it’s normal to use steroids in the future and get away with this! Current players setting bad examples for young generations,” the previous two-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged.
Yevgeny Kafelnikov© Yevgeny Kafelnikov/Instagram – Truthful Use
After studying it, Kyrgios reacted with a easy “yup.”
Yup https://t.co/z9MCgCPH2N
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) November 30, 2024 Kyrgios agrees with Kafelnikov, who defends his submit
Of their assertion, the ITIA defined that Swiatek decided that the melatonin remedy she used was contaminated with a banned substance. And after figuring out that the Pole was to not blame for what occurred, she obtained a minimal sanction.
With that in thoughts, one fan defended the Polish tennis star by telling Kafelnikov: “Young players will learn that even without doping they may fail a test due to inadvertent contamination but will be able to prove in court that it was just an accident. However, there will always be haters, fans of rivals and old tennis players.”
However, the Russian – who performed on the Tour for 11 years and was the most effective gamers throughout his time – did not agree that it’s doable to fail a doping take a look at because of “inadvertent contamination.”
“This is not true!! Nobody will fail a test unless you purposely use ban substance,” he responded.
This isn’t true!! No one will fail a take a look at except you purposely use ban substance
— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) November 30, 2024
On Thursday, Kafelnikov made one other submit in regards to the subject, saying that each failed doping take a look at ought to warrant a lifetime ban.
“It should be LIFE ban for anybody who gets caught using ban substances! NO excuses and ZERO tolerance no matter who your are!!!!” the 50-year-old wrote.
The ITIA totally accepted Swiatek’s rationalization
In response to the ITIA, the four-time French Open champion totally cooperated with the authorities proper from Day 1 and was eager on discovering out what occurred. After it was revealed that the capsules she was utilizing to handle stress and sleep points was contaminated, it grew to become clear that she did not imply to dope.
Additionally, the company stated the traces of TMZ in Swiatek’s system have been “at the lowest range.”
“The ITIA accepted that the positive test was caused by the contamination of a regulated non-prescription medication (melatonin), manufactured and sold in Poland that the player had been taking for jet lag and sleep issues, and that the violation was therefore not intentional. This followed interviews with the player and their entourage, investigations, and analysis from two WADA-accredited laboratories,” the ITIA stated.
“In relation to the player’s level of fault, as the contaminated product was a regulated non-prescription medication in the player’s country of origin and purchase and considering all the circumstances of its use (and other contaminated product cases under the World Anti-Doping Code), the player’s level of fault was considered to be at the lowest end of the range for ‘No Significant Fault or Negligence.'”
In the meantime, the Polish tennis star stated it was “the toughest battle of her life” and one thing that brought on her to “cry a lot” and have “many sleepless nights.” Additionally, the 23-year-old admitted the worry of uncertainty was mentally destroying her.
Fortuitously for Swiatek, all of it ended properly and she is going to have the ability to play the Australian Open.
