Lithuanian tennis player Emilija Tverijonaite has entered a voluntary provisional suspension under tennis’ anti-doping rules after reporting herself to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The 21-year-old, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 1067 in March 2023, provided an in-competition sample during a World Tennis event in Mogyorod, Hungary, on 2 July 2026.
Positive Test and Voluntary Suspension
On 29 July 2026, a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of canrenone in the sample. Canrenone is a diuretic and masking agent on the WADA Prohibited List and is banned at all times under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. Because of the nature of the substance, a provisional suspension is not mandatory under the rules.
However, on 19 October 2026, Tverijonaite elected to enter a voluntary provisional suspension. The ITIA stated that voluntary provisional suspensions are open to any player under investigation by the ITIA in anti-doping cases, and time served will be credited against any future sanction.
Impact on Career and Next Steps
While suspended, Tverijonaite is not allowed to play in, coach at, or attend any events organised or sanctioned by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association. She has played in just three tournaments so far this year, with her last competitive match in the qualifying round of the W50 tournament in Corroios-Seixal, Portugal, where she lost 6-2, 6-3 to French player Chloe Noel.
The ITIA has offered support to Tverijonaite, including pro-bono legal aid, independent wellbeing support, and financial assistance to investigate the source of the positive finding. It is uncertain when she will return to tennis, as the investigation will determine the extent of any punishment.
