Iga Swiatek Draws Strength From Wim Fissette’s Emotional Support Amid Intensifying Doping Controversy
As if her poor form wasn’t enough, things took a turn for the worse for Iga Swiatek. The former World Number 1 was embroiled in a doping controversy after reports of her positive test result broke out. Swiatek’s blood sample was found to contain the banned substance trimetazidine, which is a heart medication. Although the substance was extremely low in quantity, the positive test result shook the tennis world. Days after the news broke out, Swiatek’s coach, Wim Fissette finally broke his silence in this regard.
Fissette, who is Naomi Osaka’s ex-coach, joined Swiatek’s team last month. This was after the Polish star had already tested positive and was handed a 1-month doping suspension. However, the news wasn’t in the public domain at that time. Fissette has now come out in support of Swiatek saying that he is “confident that she is innocent.”
During an interview, he revealed, “Trust is the foundation of good relationships in our team from the beginning. Iga told me about the case and left the decision about our cooperation to me. I have been observing her for a long time, her values, work ethic, and standards. I was sure of her innocence from the beginning, so it did not influence my decision to join the team.”
Further, he added, “It was an extremely stressful and difficult situation for Iga and the entire team. However, Iga is a fighter on and off the court, and she won this tough battle. Now we will focus together on the upcoming season, supporting each other and working as a team.”
Even as the doping saga went viral in the media, it was determined that Swiatek’s level of fault was “at the lowest end of the range for no significant fault or negligence,” according to the ITIA. The Pole just escaped with just a month’s suspension and also accepted the ruling.
Meanwhile, there have been many comments about Swiatek’s doping controversy. While some have been in favor of Swiatek, others questioned her reduced sentence. Earlier this week, former World Number 1, Simona Halep also raised questions about preferential treatment given to some players.
