From Doping Bans To Wimbledon Glory: The Jannik Sinner-Iga Swiatek Story

Wimbledon, often known for its manicured lawns, summer-fashion, strawberries and cream and champagne-sipping elite guest list and high quality tennis performance, turned out to be a championship with a difference in 2025. 

For the first time in the history of Wimbledon, both singles champions, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, had prior doping suspensions. Although officials concluded both cases were due to accidental medication contamination, critics claim the short bans and their tournament eligibility raise questions about fairness in tennis.

“I don’t think it’s a good look for the sport,” said Australian player Nick Kyrgios, when previewing both Wimbledon finals.

Jannik Sinner

In March 2024, Sinner returned two positive tests for clostebol, a banned steroid, traced to a spray used by his physiotherapist to treat a minor hand cut Initially cleared by an independent tribunal, WADA appealed and sought a ban of up to two years. In February 2025, the Italian agreed to a settlement, accepting a three-month ban (Feb 9–May 4), which allowed him to return in time for Roland Garros.

After losing in the final of French Open few weeks ago, Sinner channeled focus and resilience into a breakthrough performance at Wimbledon, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 4–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–4 to claim his first title at the All England Club.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner Almost Quit Tennis Amid Doping Row

Iga Swiątek

In August 2024, Swiątek tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned heart medication. She explained it came from a contaminated melatonin supplement, used for jet lag and sleep. The ITIA concluded “no significant fault or negligence” and imposed a one-month ban, ending December 2024, allowing her return for the season opener.

The Pole hadn’t won a single title since returning from suspension and even dropped to number eight in the WTA rankings. However, Swiatek’s grabbed the opportunity in Wimbledon wiping out Amanda Anisimova 6–0, 6–0 in the final. Public attention on her past ban was minimal by then.

From the Horse’ Mouth

Reacting on him and Swiatek winning after the doping controversy, Sinner said, “Well, me and Iga, we actually talked yesterday about this, and we’ve been celebrating in a way even more, because it was a very difficult time for her and also for me, and only me and my team and the people who are close to me know exactly how it went.

“There are always going to be some people who believe in you and [who] do not, but this is in everything. So yeah, in a way, it’s very special, because it was very, very stressful the time on the last four or five months.”

Speaking after her victory, Swiatek also reacted to her critics: “The past months, how the media sometimes described me, how they treated me and my team, it wasn’t really pleasant”, she said. “I hope they will just leave me alone and let me do my job.”

Sinner and Swiatek’s Wimbledon victories are historic in talent—but their doping backstories have reshaped the conversation around anti-doping in tennis. Whether seen as redemption or controversy, the cases spotlight the tension between legal responsibility and intent. As the sport moves forward, the demand for equal treatment, full transparency, and consistent accountability will only intensify.