Wimbledon champion Vondrousova suspended four years for refusing doping test

Markéta Vondroušová, the 2023 Wimbledon singles champion, has been suspended from professional tennis for four years after refusing a doping test, an independent tribunal ruled on June 22.

The 26-year-old Czech player did not submit a sample when notified by a Doping Control Officer during an out-of-competition test at her home around 8 p.m. on December 3, 2025. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) charged Vondroušová in February 2026.

The tribunal determined there was "no compelling justification" for her refusal. Under anti-doping regulations, refusing a test is treated with the same severity as a positive result. Vondroušová, who achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 6, received the maximum penalty for the offense.

In a statement posted to Instagram in April, Vondroušová detailed the circumstances surrounding the incident. She said the random visit from the doping control official, which occurred outside her designated one-hour whereabouts slot for testing, caused an "acute stress reaction" that prevented her from thinking clearly. She also cited concerns about the officer's failure to follow proper protocol and expressed fear for her safety during the encounter.

Vondroušová further stated that months of physical and mental stress had affected her decision-making at the time of the test refusal.

The suspension will remain in effect until June 21, 2030. However, Vondroušová has the right to appeal the tribunal's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Under the terms of the ban, Vondroušová is not permitted to play in, coach at, or attend any events organized or sanctioned by the ITF, WTA, ATP, or other tennis governing bodies during the suspension period.

Vondroušová became the first unseeded player to win the Wimbledon women's singles title when she defeated Ons Jabeur in the 2023 final.