Marketa Vondrousova, 26, the Czech former Wimbledon women's singles champion, was banned for four years on June 22 for refusing an anti-doping test at her home on December 3, 2025, around 8 p.m. [1, 2, 3]
Vondrousova signed a refusal form citing fear for her safety, stress, and poor mental health as reasons behind her decision not to submit a sample at the out-of-competition test. She pointed to mental health struggles affecting her decision-making and concerns stemming from a past violent attack on fellow Czech player Petra Kvitova in 2016 [4, 5].
An independent tribunal reviewing the case found no compelling justification for her refusal [1, 6]. Vondrousova has maintained her innocence, stating, "I have never doped, I have never had a positive test. Throughout my entire career I have undergone countless anti-doping controls and have always stepped on to the court with a clear conscience" [3]. A drug test taken three days later returned negative [3, 7].
During the ban, which runs until June 21, 2030, Vondrousova will be barred from playing, coaching, or attending any events organized or sanctioned by the ITF, WTA, ATP, Grand Slams, or national associations. She will be 30 years old when the suspension ends [3, 6, 8].
Vondrousova has not competed since January 2026 due to a shoulder injury [2, 7]. She rose to a career-high world ranking of No. 6 in 2023 and was the first unseeded player to win Wimbledon women's singles that year. She is also a two-time Grand Slam finalist [1, 6, 9].
The Professional Tennis Players Association criticized the length of the ban and urged that players have more input on anti-doping rules. The group said, "Without weighing in on guilt or innocence: a four-year ban for a player who has never tested positive, and who said she feared for her safety when an unidentified person came to her door late at night, should give this sport pause. We defend testing. But players deserve a real voice in the rules that govern them" [4].
International Tennis Integrity Agency CEO Karen Moorhouse said testers follow protocols to protect player safety and fairness. "We understand that the testing process is uncomfortable, and acknowledge that it is an additional burden for players whose jobs already come with a high level of pressure and scrutiny, but it is essential to protect fair competition," she said [4].
Australian player Ajla Tomljanovic called the ban a disgrace, accusing the authorities of hostility toward players. "It’s kind of a disgrace what’s happened to Marketa. It’s really sad that we’re part of a sport where... the treatment isn’t equal. Equality is what we strive for," Tomljanovic said [10].
Vondrousova is considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as she faces a multi-year suspension from professional tennis [3, 6].
