Tennis professional Iga Swiatek was banned for a month due to a positive doping test, it was announced only by belated.
What: AFP
Tennis is also called a “white sport” because it was played by the rich and noble. In white clothes so that sweat stains would remain invisible. The privilege has always been present in tennis, and this has not changed within the sport to this day.
Because exceptions have been and continue to be made for the stars of the scene that are denied to other tennis professionals. Almost like George Orwell’s novel “Animal Farm”, in which “all men are equal, but some are more equal”.
Special treatment for Swiatek and Sinner?
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For the two main stars, the positive tests were only published months later, after the penalty was confirmed by the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA). That’s not normal. Everything had happened behind closed doors.
Swiatek is allowed to distribute the penalty himself
Both professionals protested their innocence, talked about oversight and had high-paid lawyers quickly file a complaint. The result: Swiatek was banned for 30 days, no sin at all.
The ITIA did not see willful neglect by either of them. But there is great frustration in the world of tennis now. This was made worse by the fact that Swiatek was even allowed to split his punishment days.
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How independent can the ITIA be?
The Pole skipped three tournaments in Asia in the autumn, but then played in the best WTA finals of the year and is now serving the remaining eight days of her suspension. the season, when most players go on vacation.
The ITIA was established in 2021 as an independent body by the tennis associations ATP, WTA and ITF as well as the organizers of the four Grand Slam tournaments to ensure clean sport. But it seems that the interests of the associations and their organizers – who are not interested in scandals involving their stars – play a role in dealing with doping incidents.
Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner in action during the match against Russian Daniil Medvedev.
What: afp
Is the ITIA applying double standards?
Cases like Swiatek and Sinner seem to be the main evidence for the accusation that there are double standards. 18-year-old young Czech player Nikola Bartunkova was banned for six months for a similar offense to Swiatek. For Sinner, number one in the world ranking, his case was dealt with in a few weeks.
Novak Djokovic heads his own players’ union and said of Sinner’s case:
I can understand the feelings of many players who wonder if they will be treated equally.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic
The ITIA emphasizes that decisions would only be made based on the facts. Swiatek feels invigorated and said she will start the new season “with a clean slate.” But it remains to be seen whether, as with Sinner, the World Anti-Doping Agency Wada will also get involved with her.
What is certain is that the reputation of the two main stars suffered even more than with the usual method. In any case, no one involved comes out of the case with a clean slate. Especially not the “white sport”.
What: Reuters
2024-12-02 05:12:00
#Doping #issues #tennis #credible #sport
This text discusses the recent controversy surrounding tennis stars Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner being cleared of doping allegations. The article highlights the inconsistencies in how these cases were handled compared to other athletes, raising questions about potential double standards.
Here are the key takeaways:
* **Swiatek and Sinner were cleared of doping:** Both players were initially investigated for violating anti-doping rules but were ultimately cleared.
* **Double standards suspected:** the article suggests that the speed and leniency with which Swiatek and Sinner were cleared contrasts with harsher punishments given to other athletes for similar offenses.
* **Novak Djokovic’s response:** Djokovic, head of the player’s union, expresses concern about the potential for unequal treatment and unhappiness among other players.
* **Reputational damage:** The article argues that even though cleared, the reputations of Swiatek and Sinner suffered due to the public nature of the accusations.
* **WADA involvement:** The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) may still get involved in these cases, which coudl lead to further scrutiny and perhaps revised decisions.
* **Criticism of the “white sport”:** The article criticizes tennis (referred to as the “white sport”) for the lack of openness and consistency in its handling of doping allegations.
the article raises concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity agency) in addressing doping accusations, suggesting that the institution may be subject to bias and inconsistencies.
