An independent tribunal has handed Czech tennis player Markéta Vondroušová a four-year suspension after she refused to provide a urine sample during an out-of-competition anti-doping test at her home in December 2025.
Vondroušová, 26, enjoyed a career-high singles ranking of world No. 6 in September 2023 and captured the Wimbledon title the same year, defeating Ons Jabeur in the final. However, on 3 December 2025, when a Doping Control Officer (DCO) arrived at her residence in the Czech Republic at around 8pm, she declined to submit a sample.
Under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), refusing a test carries the same starting point for a sanction as a positive test. The rule exists to prevent athletes who may be doping from receiving a shorter ban simply by declining to provide a sample.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which announced the decision on 22 June 2026, confirmed that the independent tribunal had found "no compelling justification" for Vondroušová's refusal. During the hearing, the player cited stress, poor mental health, and concerns for her personal safety as factors affecting her decision-making. The tribunal weighed this testimony alongside evidence from the DCO who had attempted to conduct the test, ultimately concluding that the reasons presented did not constitute a valid defence.
"Unpredictable testing is an essential tool to protect clean sport," said ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse. "The independent tribunal ultimately supported that principle. This case is an important reminder that players can be tested at any time, in any place, and that refusal comes with significant risk."
Moorhouse also emphasised the organisation's commitment to player welfare: "Safety and welfare of players and our testers is really important to us. Our testers are well-trained, professional, and the gender of our testing witness always matches the player."
Vondroušová's suspension will remain in effect until 21 June 2030. While suspended, she is barred from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tournaments organised or sanctioned by the ITF, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national tennis federation.
The full written decision is expected to be released in due course. Both Vondroušová and the ITIA — as well as the player's National Anti-Doping Organisation — retain the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In line with standard procedure, the ITIA has made independent and confidential wellbeing support available to the player through its support programme.
Sources
- https://www.itia.tennis/news/sanctions/marketa-vondrousova-suspended-for-refusing-anti-doping-test/
