2024 WTA News & Gossip

[MargaretMcAleer]

I had asked WTF was going on w/ Swiatek? Now we know! She hasn't been playing that well, then absent! It's all coming out now! Thanks!

As I posted before Iga's win loss rate for 2024 73-9? which is a excellent playing level, I suggest you read my posts? lol!
Despite being toppled by Sabalenka as the world No 1, Swiatek still won more matches and titles than any woman in 2024 and her win percentage rate of 87.7% also places her in the top position.

 

[AnonymousFan]

Iga Swiatek accepts one-month suspension for doping: https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/42660782/iga-swiatek-accepts-one-month-suspension-doping-case

@Front242

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Just one final thought regarding 'contaminated products, as was the case for Iga Swiatek, which contained 'contaminated melatonin',
Wouldnt it make sense for tennis authorities to have an allowed list of branded supplements/medications from reputable manufacturers, who could show their products were clean.Anything else should be submitted for testing before use. As this isnt the first case that products were found to be contaiminated
As I posted before,
There is definitely a lack of transparency in the process because of how the appeals system works, that's the main thing that needs addressing.

 

[Kieran]

Whatever they do, it’s a terrible look for our sport that 2 world number ones this year failed for dope tests and served bans. There’s still a hook in Sinner’s back, ready to yank him out of the Australian Open.

None of this is good…

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Whatever they do, it’s a terrible look for our sport that 2 world number ones this year failed for dope tests and served bans. There’s still a hook in Sinner’s back, ready to yank him out of the Australian Open.

None of this is good…

I also think 'clarity' is needed, in all cases.

 

[Kieran]

I also think 'clarity' is needed, in all cases.

It is, but what’s clear is they both served time. I like them both, and I don’t think they were cheating, but it’s a bad look…

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

It is, but what’s clear is they both served time. I like them both, and I don’t think they were cheating, but it’s a bad look…

I agree with you I also dont think either Sinner or Iga were cheating, it is a 'bad look' and both players, even though they were proved not negligent, in their cases, will still have to deal with this in their professional tennis career

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Sorana Cirstea has started working with Sven Groeneveld

 

[kskate2]

Can somebody explain to me how a player can complete a suspension when the season is over and no play is involved?

 

[kskate2]

Whatever they do, it’s a terrible look for our sport that 2 world number ones this year failed for dope tests and served bans. There’s still a hook in Sinner’s back, ready to yank him out of the Australian Open.

None of this is good…

A bunch of BS, just like Yannik. These players are serving silent bans. I don't know who in authority thought this was a good idea, but you're right it's a terrible look for the sport.

 

[Fiero425]

Can somebody explain to me how a player can complete a suspension when the season is over and no play is involved?

This dead period is only good for serving out suspensions and inflating the weeks at #1 ranking right? Makes sense to me!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

A bunch of BS, just like Yannik. These players are serving silent bans. I don't know who in authority thought this was a good idea, but you're right it's a terrible look for the sport.

Keli,

Rinse and Repeat,
The lack of transparency of how the appeals system works that is the main thing that needs addressing Pronto!
In the case of Iga Swiatek the excuses that were made for 3 tournaments, reasons of withdrawals, (personal matters, fatique and coaching change were the excuses) she was provisionally suspended from September 22nd to October 4th, and accepted a one month ban suspension which ended on December 4th
Also this isnt the first time there has been ' contaminated' in supplements/products, another area the 'powers that be' have to regulate the all products, make sure their products are clean, and should be submitted before they are tested and proven to be clean., as a lot of these supplements are brought over the counter., in Iga's case the supplement was brought over the counter by her sports physchiatrist in Poland
I posted this earlier,
Swiateks positive test was a result of contamination of the regulated non prescription melatonin, which Swiatek took for jet lag and sleep issues ( btw I have also used melatonin for jet lag).
Swiatek level of fault was to be at the lowest end of the range for " No Significant Fault or Negligence".
BTW with a provisional suspension, everyone has 10 days to appeal. The rules are consistent no matter status.Point is top players have more resources financially to hire an expert team working to find the source of the positive test. The gap in resources exists.

 

[Kieran]

Can somebody explain to me how a player can complete a suspension when the season is over and no play is involved?

Exactly. A ban from what? Resting? Training? Scoffing Christmas pudding?

 

[kskate2]

Keli,

Rinse and Repeat,
The lack of transparency of how the appeals system works that is the main thing that needs addressing Pronto!
In the case of Iga Swiatek the excuses that were made for 3 tournaments, reasons of withdrawals, (personal matters, fatique and coaching change were the excuses) she was provisionally suspended from September 22nd to October 4th, and accepted a one month ban suspension which ended on December 4th
Also this isnt the first time there has been ' contaminated' in supplements/products, another area the 'powers that be' have to regulate the all products, make sure their products are clean, and should be submitted before they are tested and proven to be clean., as a lot of these supplements are brought over the counter., in Iga's case the supplement was brought over the counter by her sports physchiatrist in Poland
I posted this earlier,
Swiateks positive test was a result of contamination of the regulated non prescription melatonin, which Swiatek took for jet lag and sleep issues ( btw I have also used melatonin for jet lag).
Swiatek level of fault was to be at the lowest end of the range for " No Significant Fault or Negligence".
BTW with a provisional suspension, everyone has 10 days to appeal. The rules are consistent no matter status.Point is top players have more resources financially to hire an expert team working to find the source of the positive test. The gap in resources exists.

Thanks for the recap MM. I understand completely what's going on. It's hogwash. I'm really sick of the way the sport has been handled the last few years. It's enough to make me stop watching it. That time may come sooner rather than later.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

This dead period is only good for serving out suspensions and inflating the weeks at #1 ranking right? Makes sense to me!

I don't mind there being a dead period, but the placement of it so weird. I really see no point in playing a fall portion in between the US Open and WTA Finals. If anything, they should move up the WTA Finals to follow the US Open. Let October be the dead period and start the season in November with the current fall schedule in reverse, starting with the European tournaments, then go to Asia in December. Seamless transition into the Australian leg. A win, win for everyone.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Thanks for the recap MM. I understand completely what's going on. It's hogwash. I'm really sick of the way the sport has been handled the last few years. It's enough to make me stop watching it. That time may come sooner rather than later.

If my memory is correct didnt Marin Cilic also served a 'silent ban' I remember he was out for months with a knee injury?

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

Finding out about bans after the fact are useless. Part of the consequence for failed drug tests is dealing with the court of public opinion. Also, learning that the reasons provided about not appearing at tournaments were lies is not a good look either.

Edit: I do think they should have to go back and retract their reason for not participating in a tournament and update it to serving a ban for a positive test.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Finding out about bans after the fact are useless. Part of the consequence for failed drug tests is dealing with the court of public opinion. Also, learning that the reasons provided about not appearing at tournaments were lies is not a good look either.

Silent Bans dont help any player, the fans have a right to know the facts from the start, it is deceitful and concealing and misrepresenting the 'truth'.and it makes a player look ' shady' full stop. It also erodes the trust people put into the sport.

 

[Kieran]

If my memory is correct didnt Marin Cilic also served a 'silent ban' I remember he was out for months with a knee injury?

He may have, after the infamous cough drop scandal, where his nefarious mammy went out and under a dim corner streetlight purchased contraband from a well known felon.

I think..

 

[Kieran]

Let October be the dead period and start the season in November with the current fall schedule in reverse, starting with the European tournaments, then go to Asia in December. Seamless transition into the Australian leg. A win, win for everyone.

This is why the Australian Open is in January now - it used to be played in that “dead period” when you recommend they all go to China to play. No players of any worth went to Australia to play.

Now personally, I wouldn’t mind if the Chinese tournaments suffered through this same dead period, but I wouldn’t end the season so abruptly after the USO…