“The hardest seven months of my Life”: Vondrousova Speaks After Ban

Marketa Vondrousova has been suspended for four years after an independent tribunal found that she refused an anti-doping test conducted outside competition in December 2025.

The former Wimbledon champion was notified of the test at her home on December 3 but did not provide a sample.

Under anti-doping regulations, refusing a test carries the same starting sanction as a positive test because authorities do not want athletes to avoid testing and receive a lighter punishment.

Explaining the ruling, ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said:

“Unpredictable testing is an essential tool to protect clean sport.”

She added:

“This case is an important reminder that players can be tested at any time, in any place, and that refusal comes with significant risk.”

Vondrousova, however, argued that the incident occurred during an extremely difficult period in her life.

In a lengthy statement, the Czech player said:

“The last seven months have been the hardest of my life.”

The 26-year-old insisted she had never taken performance-enhancing drugs and pointed to a history of negative tests throughout her career.

“I have never doped. I have never had a positive test.”

Vondrousova also described the emotional toll the case had taken on her, writing:

“They took away my joy, my confidence, and the sense of security I once had.”

The tribunal considered arguments related to stress, mental health struggles, and concerns for her safety but ultimately concluded there was “no compelling justification” for refusing the test.

Despite the ruling, Vondrousova maintained that she acted according to her conscience and did everything within her power to cooperate throughout the investigation.

“I still know who I am. And no decision can take that away from me.”