"Worst experience of my life." Świątek accepts suspension over banned substance

Świątek tested positive in an out-of-competition sample in August but the ITIA accepted that it was caused by contamination of her medication melatonin, which was manufactured and sold in Poland. Świątek had been taking it for jet lag and sleep issues.

As there was no significant fault or negligence, the ITIA offered her a one-month suspension which she accepted.

"The player was provisionally suspended from Sept. 12 until Oct. 4, missing three tournaments, which counts towards the sanction, leaving eight days remaining," the ITIA said in a statement.

"In addition, the player also forfeits prize money from the Cincinnati Open, the tournament directly following the test."

Świątek described the ordeal of testing positive as the "worst experience of my life".

"In the last 2.5 months I was subject to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence," Świątek said on Instagram.

"The only positive doping test in my career, showing unbelievably low level of a banned substance I've never heard about before, put everything I've worked so hard for my entire life into question.

"Both me and my team had to deal with tremendous stress and anxiety. Now everything has been carefully explained, and with a clean slate I can go back to what I love most."

The Women's Tennis Association issued a brief statement on X regarding Świątek's suspension.

"The WTA acknowledges the decision by the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA) – which administers the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP) – in issuing a one-month suspension to Iga Swiatek, following the identification of a contaminated regulated medication (melatonin) as the source for her positive test for the prohibited substance Trimetazidine," the organization said.

The WTA stressed that it "fully supports Iga during this difficult time."

"Iga has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fair play and upholding the principles of clean sport, and this unfortunate incident highlights the challenges athletes face in navigating the use of medications and supplements."