Former Grand Slam queen Vondrousova suspended for refusing doping test

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova received a four-year suspension from playing any professional tennis games after refusing an anti-doping test, the International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed on June 23, 2026.

The incident happened in December 2025, when Vondrousova denied an International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) doping control officer entry to her home.

Vondrousova admitted last April that she feared for her safety when the doping control officer called, but the tribunal’s verdict determined that she provided “no compelling justification” to refuse the test.

“We recognize this is a significant ban,” ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said.

“And the reason for that, stepping back, is that you can’t have an anti-doping system where a player is in a better place by refusing to take a test than they would by taking a test and testing positive.”

The ITIA added that Vondrousova instead signed a refusal form after failing to submit a sample when the doping control officer asked for a follow-up.

Vondrousova was quick to address the allegations, posting a lengthy message on her official Instagram account the same day the ITIA released the verdict.

“I have never doped,” Vondrousova wrote.

“I have never had a positive test. Throughout my entire career, I have undergone countless anti-doping controls and have always stepped onto the court with a clear conscience.”

Vondrousova first made a name for herself in the 2019 edition of the French Open, where she reached the Grand Slam final by defeating Carla Suarez Navarro, Anastasija Sevastova, Petra Martic, and Johanna Konta.

Despite losing to Ashleigh Barty in the championship round, Vondrousova’s pro career quickly skyrocketed after the majestic French Open run.

Vondrousova made history four years later as the first unseeded WTA player in the Open Era to claim a Grand Slam title, winning the 2023 Wimbledon Championships after defeating Ons Jabeur in the final, 6-4, 6-4.

However, Vondrousova’s career took a major hit when she suffered a series of wrist injuries that required surgery.

In 2024, she was honored with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year award.

“Professional sport means accepting rules and controls,” Vondrousova continued.

“I have always respected them, and I understand why they exist. I only wish that they never lose their humanity. I testified before the tribunal and did my best to explain what happened. I gave it everything I had.”