“Take a shower is not a right” “Itia defends themselves for a rule by which players must go to the shower
Article by David Istrate – published on Saturday, April 19, 2025 21:28 / Updated on Saturday, April 19, 2025 22:12
The International Integrity Agency in Tennis (ITIA) has provided explanations related to the anti -doping rule that asks the players that, if they choose to go to the shower, before the doping test will remain in the visual area of an attendant.
The International Agency for Integrity in Tennis (ITIA) has sent players with a press release about a controversial rule that is trying to prevent the falsification of urine, in the case of DOPING controls.
Itia: “The refusal to stay in the visual area of the companion will be treated extremely seriously”
Specifically, if the players choose to take a shower before going to the doping control, they will be accompanied and must remain in the visual area of those who accompany them.
“ITIA, and before ITF, worked hard to make sure that the after -matches can lead to a permitted delay in Doping control, especially when not taking a harmful effect on a player's health and well -being.
However, taking a shower is not a right and, for this reason, ITIA kindly asks that when the players make a shower in front of the companion who will observe them permanently.
If a player does not feel comfortable with being accompanied when showering, we suggest that a shower is required before providing a doping control sample. The refusal to remain in the visual area of the companion will be treated extremely seriously by ITIA ”, the agency said.
IT: “It is important that no activity affects the integrity of the sample”
As expected, the rule has caused a lot of reactions from fans, which are revolted by the fact that the players will be accompanied to the shower. ITIA replied that this is a requirement of the World Anti -Doping Regulation and is aware that the process is uncomfortable.
“The health of the players is a priority and we will continue to support their right to do so. However, it is important that no activity will affect the integrity of the test. We constantly remind the specific rules and we are happy to answer the questions they have,” ITI said, according to The Guardian.
“It is normal. Players must be observed while passing the urine to avoid replacing it. Players must be observed in the shower so as not to urinate the test that is required for analysis“, Wrote, X, Richard Ings, the former head of the Anti-Doping Authority in Australia.
In 2024, international tennis faced 3 large cases of doping. Jannik Sinner was detected positively with Clostebol then Iga Swiak was caught doped with trimetazidine and, near the end of the year, Max Purcelldouble Grand Slam winner, was suspended after making a vitamin infusion above 100 ml.
