Wimbledon favourites Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek have launched a scathing attack on tennis's current doping regulations, labelling them as 'absurd' and 'unfair'. The rising stars voiced their frustrations ahead of this year's Championships, where doping policies remain a hot topic.
Players Demand Change
Italian sensation Sinner, currently ranked world No. 1, didn't hold back in his criticism: 'The system needs complete reform. Innocent athletes are suffering while the real cheats find ways around the rules.' His comments come after several high-profile cases where players faced lengthy bans for minor infractions.
Swiatek's Stark Warning
Polish star Swiatek, a four-time Grand Slam champion, echoed these concerns: 'We're seeing careers ruined over technicalities. The focus should be on catching deliberate dopers, not punishing honest mistakes.' The world No. 1 women's player revealed she now employs a full-time compliance officer to navigate the complex anti-doping rules.
The Controversial Cases
The debate reignited following recent cases including:
- A junior player banned for two years after taking cold medication
- A veteran suspended for missing three tests in 12 months
- Multiple athletes penalised for 'whereabouts' violations
Tournament organisers face mounting pressure to address player concerns before this year's Wimbledon begins on 1st July.
