Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been suspended from professional tennis for four years after refusing an out-of-competition anti-doping test conducted at her home.
Former Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová has been handed a four-year suspension from professional tennis after an independent tribunal ruled that she unjustifiably refused to undergo an anti-doping test.
The 26-year-old Czech player was found to have failed to provide a sample during an out-of-competition doping control conducted at her home on December 3, 2025.
According to the tribunal’s ruling, there was “no compelling justification” for refusing the test, despite Vondrousova claiming that mental stress, anxiety and concerns for her personal safety influenced her actions.
The player stated that she became alarmed after a doping control officer reportedly arrived late at night and allegedly failed to provide adequate identification.
As a result of the ruling, Vondrousova has been banned from playing, coaching or attending events sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), WTA, ATP and Grand Slam tournaments until June 21, 2030.
International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) Chief Executive Karen Moorhouse defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of unannounced testing in protecting the integrity of sport.
“Unpredictable testing is an essential tool to protect clean sport,” Moorhouse said. “This case is an important reminder that players can be tested at any time, in any place, and that refusal comes with significant risk.”
The tribunal reviewed testimony from both Vondrousova and the doping control officer before delivering its verdict.
Vondrousova, who reached a career-high world ranking of No. 6 in 2023, has strongly denied ever using banned substances and stressed that she had never previously failed a drug test during her career.
In an emotional statement shared on social media, the Czech star described the disciplinary process as the most difficult experience of her life.
“I have never had a positive test,” she wrote. “Just three days after the incident that ultimately changed my life, I was tested again. The result was negative.”
She added that the lengthy investigation caused severe emotional distress, anxiety and sleepless nights.
“For the first time in my life, I do not have a plan,” she said. “The last seven months have left marks that will not disappear overnight.”
Vondrousova also said she respected anti-doping regulations but hoped authorities would show “humanity” during investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
Both the player and anti-doping authorities retain the right to appeal the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Vondrousova made history in 2023 when she became the first unseeded woman to win the Wimbledon singles title after defeating Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the final.
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