World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has faced both criticism and support following her one-month doping suspension, with fellow WTA star Jessica Pegula stepping forward to defend her. The controversy arose in late November when Swiatek tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned substance, during the Cincinnati Open in August. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that the infraction resulted from contamination in a legal medication, finding “no significant fault or negligence” on Swiatek’s part.

The five-time Grand Slam champion served a one-month suspension from mid-September to early October, missing key events like the Korea Open, China Open, and Wuhan Open. Additionally, she was stripped of her Cincinnati Open prize money. The absence from these tournaments cost her a chance to defend her China Open title and ultimately led to the loss of her World No. 1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka.

Jessica Pegula, who has faced Swiatek ten times, including in this year’s US Open quarterfinals, spoke out in New York to support her peer and the ITIA’s handling of the case. Pegula acknowledged the complexity of doping rulings, noting the varying degrees of punishment in similar cases. “It seems like they [ITIA] investigated it, and she had her reasoning. I mean, you have to trust that they’re doing their job, that they’re coming to the right conclusion,” Pegula said.

She also highlighted the frustrations players and fans feel regarding the inconsistency of punishments. “It just seems so hit or miss with how people get punished. I think that can be frustrating,” Pegula admitted, but she affirmed that the explanation behind Swiatek’s case “made sense.”

Despite her suspension, some critics suggested that Swiatek was treated leniently due to her status in the sport, a claim Pegula pushed back against. She pointed out the real consequences Swiatek faced, including missing the entire Asian swing of tournaments, which impacted her year-end rankings, financial gains, and sponsorship opportunities. “Missing the Asian swing may have hurt her chances for the year-end No. 1. That’s massive for her,” Pegula added.

Swiatek, who has now completed her suspension, is set to return to action at the United Cup starting December 27. Her team has remained tight-lipped about further details, focusing instead on her preparation for the upcoming season. With the controversy behind her, Swiatek will aim to reclaim her top form and challenge for more titles in 2024.

Iga Swiatek in 2024

Currently the world no.2, the Pole played her last match on the 18^th of November when she defeated world no.4 Jasmine Paolini 3-6 6-4 6-4 in the Rubber 2 in (draw).

During this season Swiatek achieved a compiled 64-9 match record. Swiatek clinched 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.