LONDON — The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) suspended tennis player Marketa Vondrousova for four years after she refused to submit to an out-of-competition anti-doping test. An independent tribunal determined that Vondrousova declined to provide a sample at her home on December 3, 2025.

The tribunal concluded that the 26-year-old Czech athlete offered "no compelling justification" for refusing the test. Her suspension is set to expire on June 21, 2030. During the ban, Vondrousova is prohibited from participating in, coaching at, or attending any events organized or sanctioned by the ITF, WTA, ATP, Grand Slams, or any national association.

Vondrousova, who won the Wimbledon women's singles title in 2023, addressed the incident in an Instagram post in April. "The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress," Vondrousova said. She also stated that the testing agent arrived at her door late at night without properly identifying themselves. "In that moment it was about feeling safe, not about avoiding anything," she said.

The tribunal considered testimony from the Doping Control Officer who attempted to conduct the test. Karen Moorhouse, Chief Executive of the ITIA, acknowledged the challenges of the process. "We understand that the testing process is uncomfortable, and acknowledge that it is an additional burden for players whose jobs already come with a high level of pressure and scrutiny, but it is essential to protect fair competition," Moorhouse said. "Safety and welfare of players and our testers is really important to us."

Vondrousova can appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Her lawyer, Jan Exner, stated: "Marketa has asked me – and I want to respect her wish – to refrain from commenting on the matter at this stage." Exner added, "Basically when we get the verdict, we will read the explanation and decide on further action, whether we will appeal it or not, but first I want to consult Marketa and I don't want to speculate on further steps." Vondrousova, currently ranked 122nd in the world, reached a career-high ranking of No. 6 in 2023 when she became the first unseeded female champion to win Wimbledon, defeating Ons Jabeur in the final.