Aryna Sabalenka was asked to share her thoughts on Iga Swiatek’s case (Image: Getty)
has had her say after accepted a one-month doping ban.
The world No. 2 and proved she was contaminated via melatonin medication. She was found to have bore “no significant fault or negligence”.
The news broke during the off-season, meaning Swiatek’s rivals have not been able to respond.
But Sabalenka has now been asked what she made of the five-time Grand Slam champion’s case. The world No. 1 didn’t want to say too much, giving a blunt response.
“People are really used to overreacting before figuring stuff out, so I don’t want to leave any comments. I believe in clean sport and nothing else I can add,” the 26-year-old told .
While Sabalenka has not given much away, the world No. 1 has already practised with Swiatek during the off-season, sharing a photo of the pair on the court in Abu Dhabi.
Swiatek tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine in August and was provisionally suspended on September 12. She appealed this suspension 10 days later after finding the source of contamination, and it was lifted on October 4.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek hit together in Abu Dhabi (Image: Instagram @arynasabalenka)
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The 23-year-old missed three tournaments during her 22-day provisional suspension. When it was lifted, she was allowed to return to competition, playing the WTA Finals and representing Poland at the Billie Jean King Cup.
News of her test result and suspension was only made public when the investigation concluded in late November. The International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted that the positive test was caused by contamination of a regulated non-prescription medication.
Swiatek formally admitted her anti-doping violation on November 27 and accepted a one-month ban. Because she served 22 days in her provisional suspension, she was suspended for eight more days, and her ban was lifted on December 4.
The former world No. 1 shared a video to social media after her sanction was announced,
“At first I couldn’t understand how that was even possible and where it came from,” Swiatek said.
“It turns out testing revealed historically lowest levels of trimetazidine, a substance I’ve never heard about before. I don’t think I even knew it existed.
“I have never encountered it, nor did people around me. So I had a strong sense of injustice and these first few weeks were really chaotic.”
The Pole also admitted there were “tears and lots of sleepless nights” as she grappled with the uncertainty. She is now keen to start the new season with a “clean slate”.
Swiatek may not be able to escape her case yet. As the 2025 season kicks off, more of her colleagues and rivals will likely be asked for their opinions.