Things haven’t been going the way Iga Swiatek would have liked of late. After winning the French Open, it has been a steep downfall for the former World Number 1. Minutes ago, another shocking update rocked Swiatek as news of her doping violation broke. The Polish star was provisionally suspended from Sept. 22 to Oct. 4 after testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, a heart medication. However, Swiatek provided her take on his matter while proving her innocence.

Taking to her official Instagram handle, she said, “In the last 2.5 months I was subject to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence. 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.”

Further, she went on to add, “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. I know I will be stronger than ever. I’m leaving with you a long video and right now I’m just relieved it’s over. I want to be open with you, even though I know I did nothing wrong.”

After Swiatek’s US Open exit in the quarterfinals, she missed the entire Asian Swing. During that period, it was known that she was away from tennis due to personal reasons. However, the ITIA today revealed that she had tested positive for a banned substance. However, the substance was ‘at the lowest end of the range’ and hence, she escaped with just a month’s ban.

Moreover, Swiatek is the second high-profile case of a tennis player embroiled in doping controversy. Earlier this year, Sinner was involved in a doping controversy but he escaped punishment after providing a valid justification of how he came in contact with the banned substance Clostebol. While Swiatek was serving the suspension, she had kept her fans guessing over her absence.

Iga Swiatek raised eyebrows with her absence from Asian Swing

The tournaments in Asia have been a happy hunting ground for Swiatek. Last year, she won the China Open and was hoping to defend her title this season. However, after the US Open setback, she announced her absence from the tournament which kept her fans guessing over the reason for her withdrawal.

She said, “Due to personal matters, I’m forced to withdraw from the @ChinaOpen in Beijing. I’m very sorry as I had an amazing time playing and winning this tournament last year and was really looking forward to being back there. I know that the fans will experience great tennis there and I’m sorry I won’t be a part of it this time.”

Although she made a comeback at the WTA Finals, Swiatek bowed out in the group stage in Riyadh and failed to end the year at the top of the WTA rankings. The Polish star would aim to put the doping controversy behind her and aim for a fresh start next season.