1997 US Open finalist Greg Rusedski isn't questioning the integrity of how the Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner doping cases were investigated but added that other cases not being handled as quickly is "the main issue."
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When the Italian twice tested positive for steroid in March, he quickly determined what was to blame and was able to prove that he was a victim of a contaminated supplement. He didn't get provisionally suspended and was later cleared to resume action.
Now, it is being revealed that Swiatek was notified about a positive doping test in mid-September and she was slapped with a provisional suspended. However, it only lasted 22 days after she quickly got to the job and found out what caused one of her samples to return as positive for something prohibited. Shortly after ending the Pole's provisional suspension, the ITIA also concluded their investigation in her case and handed her a one-month ban.
"I see people crying that Iga Swiatek was suspended for 1 month and Jannik Sinner wasnt. Iga literally admitted she made a mistake and took a pill and Sinner didnt take anything. The contamination was cause by a cream applied to the finger of his physio. Stop crying, thanks," a fan explained on X.
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Rusedski noticed the post and had something to say about it.
"This is all true, but I think the main issue is the speed of dealing with the positive tests. Other players have been in the same situation & it has not been dealt with in the same manner. As an athlete under WADA, you are 100% liable no matter how you are contaminated," the former world No. 4 responded.
Rusedski: Swiatek and Sinner had the resources... something should be figured out for others as well
When the Italian's case came to light in August, many were quick to start throwing the double standard accusations. Coach Darren Cahill publicly shut down those claims by explaining that the world No. 1 simply had the resources to tackle the situation.
When it comes to the Pole's situation, it wasn't anything different - she had the money and that helped her get to the bottom of what happened.
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"Greg, have you read decision ? Aga / team were very quick to respond with all necessary evidence / samples. Not every player / team can do that, so that helped a bit. Players want cases resolved quickly, so people shouldn't complain when the process is speeded. Every case is different," one person wrote to Rusedski.
The 1997 US Open runner-up responded by highlighting that he had nothing against Swiatek and Sinner being in those positions but that there should be a union or something like that that would help players get their doping cases quickly resolved.
"They were lucky that they found the contamination so quickly. They are very fortunate to be able to afford the best lawyers, labs and people to help. Should not all professional players have a union that supports them in the same way to have the same procedure and protection?" the former 15-time ATP champion noted.
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Swiatek explained what she did after the ITIA reached out to her
After being informed that she tested positive for a banned substance, the five-time Grand Slam champion said her initial reaction was an absolute shock and she couldn't believe what happened. While she was battling some major anxiety and stress, she quickly gathered her team and they figured out what should be their next steps.
Ultimately, they found out that the melatonin medication she was using to treat jet lag and sleep issues were contaminated with a banned substance and it was accepted by the ITIA that it wasn't her intention to dope.
"We instantly reacted and cooperated with the ITIA. The detected concentration was extremely low, suggested, or rather, made it obvious that either the sample was contaminated or a supplement or medication that I was taking was contaminated, which is why we focused on running tests on all nutritional supplements and medications that I was taking," Swiatek explained in a video uploaded on Instagram.
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"The tests showed that melatonin [which] Ive been using for a long time - the batch I had on me and had used before Cincinnati - was contaminated during manufacturing. It was a shock to hear, but it also explained a lot, and locating the source is key in these cases, which is why after finding out, we had to prove that the medication was in fact contaminated."
Since Swiatek already served 22 days, her one-month ban will officially expire in just a couple of days.
