Markéta Vondroušová’s Doping Test Refusal and Resulting Ban

Markéta Vondroušová, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, faced a four-year suspension from professional tennis after declining a doping test in December 2025. The Independent Tribunal hearing on June 11 noted she cited stress and mental health concerns, alongside safety fears, influencing her decision.

Despite being set to compete in Wimbledon starting June 29, Vondroušová will miss the event, beginning her ban which lasts until 2030, pending any potential appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). She will turn 30 by the end of the suspension.

Offense Details and Penalty Severity

The refusal occurred when Vondroušová did not present a sample to a Doping Control Officer during an unexpected out-of-competition test on December 3, 2025. This led to a charge in February by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The tribunal dismissed her evidence as lacking a compelling reason to refuse the test, agreeing with the ITIA for a maximum four-year ban.

Defensive Justifications

In April, Vondroušová shared on Instagram that the unexpected test outside her scheduled one-hour window triggered an acute stress reaction. Citing a past incident where fellow Czech player Petra was attacked at home, she voiced that strangers at her door remain a security concern for her.

She provided clinical evidence of an acute stress reaction during the tribunal, emphasizing her claim of suffering from anxiety disorders as a factor clouding her judgment at that time.

Understanding the Anti-Doping Protocol

Vondroušová pointed to the tester’s visit outside her allotted testing time as initially forming her defense. However, anti-doping regulations allow unpredictable testing beyond these hours. Players failing to update their whereabouts or refusing tests could face sanctions.

Unpredictable testing aims to preserve fair play. ITIA’s statement reinforced that testing can happen anytime, with refusal posing significant consequences. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code requires tests outside player-provided times within certain confines.

Clarifying Misconceptions

This misunderstanding appears widespread. Notably, Andy Roddick previously speculated on the procedural error after the initial charge. French Open champion Alexander Zverev also aired grievances about unforeseen tests infringing personal schedules.

The ITIA has expanded educational programs for athletes, coaches, and agents to clarify the complexities of anti-doping regulations. The organization’s CEO, Karen Moorhouse, highlighted the collective need for these clarifications across the sport.

Reasons Behind a Severe Penalty

The ITIA’s Monday news release mentioned anti-doping rules start with the same precaution for a test refusal as a positive result, eliminating benefits when refusing tests. Thus, high justification standards for refusal aim to deter. Russian player Vladislav Ivanov similarly received a four-year ban for refusal in 2023.

Impact and Community Reaction

Vondroušová recently expressed struggles experienced over months following the ban. She insisted on her innocence, maintaining a history of clean tests and extensive cooperation despite privacy breaches.

Support poured from fellow players, with Coco Gauff, Paula Badosa, Sloane Stephens, and other pros sending supportive messages. The Professional Tennis Players Association voiced concerns over the ban severity and championed more player input in governing rules.

Future Steps

The ITIA will release a full written decision at a later date. Vondroušová may appeal the decision to CAS within 21 days after publication. She’s prohibited from participating, coaching, or attending any organized events under the suspension.

Dr. Jan Exner, her lawyer, stated there would be a thorough review of the decision before considering further actions.