The 2024 season witnessed two major doping controversies involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. The ATP World No.1 and three-time Major winner was found positive, back in August, after failing two successive tests for Clostebol. On the other hand, the former World No.1 WTA star and five-time Grand Slam champion was provisionally suspended due to a failed test for Trimetazidine (TMZ).
However, it appears the world of tennis isn’t going to be free from scandals anytime soon. This time, a Venezuelan ATP pro has been suspended after a failed test for a banned substance. However, the player has now vowed to fully cooperate in the investigation.
On Wednesday, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Gonzalo Oliveira has been provisionally suspended. The 29-year-old, who’s No.245 in the world, tested positive for Metamfetamine after a failed test at the Challenger de Manzanillo in Mexico. The substance is banned under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP). “Oliveira is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA,” read the official statement from the agency.
A day after the suspension was announced, Oliveira shared his first reaction on Thursday. He took to his Instagram while writing a long message in which he tried to convey that he was not at fault. He wrote, “This is a truly difficult moment for me — one that feels even harder than the many injury setbacks I’ve faced throughout my career. But just as I’ve always done, I am determined to face this challenge head-on with strength and resolve.”
Oliveira added, “I would never compromise my values or take shortcuts to gain an unfair advantage. Tennis is more than just a game to me.” Moreover, he made it clear that he is ready to comply with the agencies involved in the case. “I am fully committed to proving my innocence and ensuring that the truth is brought to light. I am cooperating transparently and proactively with the ITIA, and working with lawyers to seek a swift resolution of this unfamiliar process.”
Gonçalo Oliveira announces on Instagram that he is ready to defend himself with transparency.
“I’m fully commited to proving my innocence”. pic.twitter.com/toCTEWOzPC
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 6, 2025
Reiterating his commitment to come out innocent, he urged his fans to support him amid this tough phase. Speaking of which, there’s another ATP pro who’s going to face a tough time in the next two months. Yes, it’s none other than last month’s Australian Open winner, Italian sensation Jannik Sinner. His troubles are still far from over in the doping scandal. But why?
Jannik Sinner to attend hearing in the doping case in April 2025
Jannik Sinner had a phenomenal season in 2024, having won two Slams, the ATP Finals, and Davis Cup for Italy. He took a giant leap in the rankings, too, taking the number one spot. And now, in 2025, he won his second successive Australian Open trophy in Melbourne to add a third overall Major title to his credit. But the glory of all of these accomplishments has slightly faded due to his doping case. Despite a failed test, the ITIA came to the verdict, last August, implying that he was innocent. Simply because there was “No Fault or Negligence” on his part. Meaning, that he didn’t take Closetbol willingly into his system.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decided to appeal against this verdict, back in September. It sought to have a hearing at the Court of Arbitration in Sports (CAS). Following a long wait, the CAS eventually revealed the dates for the hearing early last month. Between April 16 and 17, the hearing in this case will take place. Which means, Sinner will now have to go to the court for a final decision from the CAS.
Ahead of the hearing, ITIA’s CEO Karen Moorhouse shared a concerning update for Sinner’s fans. But what was it? Well according to Moorhouse, if the Italian is found guilty, “the starting point for a possible disqualification is four years. If it can be proven that it was not intentional, the sentence is reduced to two years. At this point, some differentiations must be made.”
The ITIA’s initial verdict stands in favor of the World No.1, but it will be intriguing to see the judgment. Will it bring a positive outcome for the Italian or not? Only time will tell.
The post 29YO ATP Pro Vows to Cooperate as Doping Controversy Resurfaces After Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner Saga appeared first on EssentiallySports.
