Sinner and Swiatek Doping Controversies Overshadow Tennis 2024! Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek achieved significant milestones in 2024, but doping controversies overshadowed their otherwise stellar seasons. Both players faced scrutiny after failed doping tests, resulting in questions about the integrity of tennis’s anti-doping measures.

Sinner tested positive for a trace amount of clostebol but explained it was unintentional contamination. While an independent tribunal cleared him, the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed, risking a potential two-year ban. Despite this, Sinner secured major titles, including the Australian and U.S. Opens, and led Italy to Davis Cup glory.

Swiatek faced similar challenges after testing positive for trimetazidine, attributed to melatonin contamination. She received a month-long suspension but expressed relief once her case was resolved. Swiatek still shone in 2024, winning five titles, including her fourth French Open.

These doping incidents prompted criticism of tennis authorities for perceived leniency towards high-profile players. Simona Halep, who faced a prolonged battle over her ban, highlighted inconsistencies in doping rulings.

Tennis saw remarkable moments amid these challenges, including Novak Djokovic’s Olympic gold, Barbora Krejcikova’s Wimbledon win, and Carlos Alcaraz’s rise as a dominant force. Despite setbacks, Sinner and Swiatek demonstrated resilience and determination in a demanding year for tennis.

Andy Rublev was ‘defaulted’ by the officials for his unsportsmanlike conduct in the semifinal of the ATP 500 tour in Dubai. In the semifinal of the tournament against his childhood friend Alexander Bublik, Rublev was seen frustrated at the lime umpires. In fact, Bublik himself was frustrated at times at the referees. Given the intense nature of the match, both yelled at the officials.

The Russian then had an argument with the line referee after yelling. It led to him getting defaulted. One of the officials who knew Russian claimed Rublev had used foul language against the line referee. However, Rublev denied using any such slang. The Russian official claimed that the Australian Open 2024 winner called him ‘F***ing moron’. The fans are not too happy with the officials.

Watch the video of the incident here –

Andrey Rublev fue DESCALIFICADO en el ATP 500 de Dubai tras gritarle en la cara a un juez de línea.

Perderá todos los puntos de la semana y el prize money ganado.pic.twitter.com/9kCY5PQQCe

— Set Tenis (@settenisok) March 1, 2024

Rublev was ready to continue playing. However, the officials found Rublev not worthy to continue the match. It denied the fans of a thrilling end to the semifinal game. The scoreline was 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-5 when the incident happened. If not for getting defaulted, the fans believed that it could have had a great finish which they hoped for. The incident had a mixed opinion.

Andy Rublev to be penalized

While some believed that getting ‘defaulted’ was the right call from the officials, many believed that the Russians did not deserve to get defaulted, as it was a big punishment for an ‘unproven incident’. Fans were of the opinion that giving a warning to the 26-year-old would have been a better option. Regardless of this, the Australian Open 2024 winner will be penalized for his act.

While Rublev reached the semifinal of the event and confirmed a lot of prize money in the process, he would not get anything from the tournament. For getting defaulted, Rublev will not get the prize money and will lose his world rankings from the event. Daniil Medvedev and Humbert will face each other in the semis. The winner of the match will take on Bublik in the final.

The 2024 Qatar Open saw controversy erupt during the Victoria Azarenka vs Jelena Ostapenko’s match. The veteran tennis player was seen taunting her opponent after an easy win late on Wednesday night.

This latest win for Azarenka over Ostapenko was her fifth against her opponent. As the game ended Victoria Azarenka could be seen tapping her temple area. This was a signal to her opponent about the superiority that she holds.

Watch the video below:

Yep. Vika is now public enemy No. 1 for Ostapenko. Hawk-eye moves to No. 2

Vika pointing to her head to signal she’s in Ostapenko’s brain. Penko going for the racket tap instead of a handshake. Vika declining

Hollywood couldn’t write a better script

pic.twitter.com/EBGE8CCEvz

— Josh Gross (@josh3302) February 14, 2024

The match ended in just under 90 minutes as the veteran won the match with the score reading 6-0, 6-3. There was more drama once the match ended as Ostapenko decided to offer her racquet for a tap. This was in diversion from the regular handshake to show the right spirit. Veteran player Azarenka decided to ignore the gesture and moved to shake hands with the chair umpire.

Victoria Azarenka’s win marred by controversy

Despite posting a dominant win over Jelena Ostapenko the Tennis world wasn’t happy with Victoria Azarenka. The antics from the veteran player didn’t sit down well with many fans across the world.

Victoria Azarenka now will play two-time Qatar Open winner Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals. 34-year-old Azarenka had spoken about her motivations during a recent interview she did with the media. “When I was young, all I wanted to do was win the Grand Slam and the number 1 and I’ve achieved that. I wanted to continue and repeat that feeling. After I had Leo, my priorities shifted a bit” said Azarenka.

The tennis star is currently ranked world number 33 and was ranked at the top in 2012. Her two Grand Slam title wins came when she won the Australian Open two times in 2012 and 2013. The last time she came close to the Championship title was when she reached the US Open final in 2020. Naomi Osaka won the title beating Azarenka to claim a famous win.

Further speaking to the media, the 34-year-old said “I had to find a way to balance myself a bit. Where I don’t feel guilty for missing out on some of the time with him and dedicate myself to the craft. I think I found a balance through understanding that I’d love for him to see how hard I work and how much I put into it”