Marketa Vondrousova says ‘mental and physical stress’ led to anti-doping charge
Vondrousova, ranked 46th in the women’s rankings, can continue playing as the violation was not an immediate ban and she chose not to receive a temporary suspension.
However, he did not play after withdrawing from the Adelaide International in January due to shoulder strain. He also missed the Australian Open with the same problem.
According to ITIA rules, a player who “evades the collection of a sample or refuses or fails to submit a sample without compelling justification after notification by a duly authorized person” will be deemed to have committed an anti-doping violation.
“It’s very difficult for me to talk about this, but I want to be transparent with you about my mental health,” Vondrousova added in her social media post.
“For a long time I have been dealing with injuries, constant pressure and ongoing sleep issues that have left me feeling exhausted and fragile. This has slowly worn me down probably more than I realized at the time.
“On top of that, years of hateful messages and threats have impacted how safe I feel in my own space.”
Referring to the drug tester’s visit, he added: “At that moment fear clouded my judgment and I was unable to process the situation rationally. After what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers on our doorstep lightly.”
Vondrousova’s friend, Czech two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, had to have surgery on her left hand after a knife attack at her home in 2016 and was away from the game for a long time.
“I’m slowly trying to find my way back, both on and off the field.” said Vondrousova.
“Tennis has always been my world, but right now I’m focusing on healing and getting through this the best way I can.
“I’m still working to clear my name, but I also need to take care of myself.
“Thank you to my boyfriend, my family, and everyone who has been there for me; this means so much more than I can explain. For now, I’m taking some time to breathe and heal.”
