Iga Swiatek unpacks. © AFP / FAYEZ NURELDINE

“Horror”: Iga Swiatek on doping and her hardest time

Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek has spoken for the first time about the difficult months following the doping allegations.

11 December 2024

From: sn

In the TV show "Fakty po Faktach" she described this time as "horror" and described the stress caused by hate on the Internet and high legal costs. Nevertheless, she was determined to fight for her values ​​and her honor.

The doping accusation was made after a positive test for the substance trimetazidine. However, Swiatek explained that the test was positive due to a contaminated drug that she took to help with sleep problems after time changes during international tournaments.

"I get a lot of hate on the Internet" Iga swiatek

Although the tennis player stressed her innocence and identified the contaminated drug, the public reaction caused her great emotional stress. The hate comments on social media in particular were a significant burden for her. "I get a lot of hate on the internet," she said.

Determination despite high stress

In addition to the emotional burden, she had to bear high legal costs of around 70.000 euros. This sum refers to the legal support she needed to clarify the allegations and prove her innocence. Despite the financial and psychological burden, the 23-year-old was determined to continue her career and defend her values. She explained that she never wanted to be dissuaded from her principles, even though the pressure on her was enormous. Her family and her team, especially her psychologist Daria Abramowicz, supported her during this difficult time.

Swiatek remains confident that she can successfully overcome the situation and continue her tennis career. She stressed that she will never lose her passion for the sport, even if the road to it is full of challenges.