Serena Williams' ex-coach shares feelings about Taylor Fritz slamming "biased" reactions after Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner's doping tests controversies

Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner's doping tests controversies prompted Taylor Fritz to slam "biased" reactions from the tennis community. Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs gave her thoughts on Fritz's comments on the matter.

Swiatek was recently handed a one-month suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA) after testing positive for trimetazidine (TMZ). The prohibited substance was found in her system after an out-of-competition sample which was taken in August 2024, ahead of the Cincinnati Open.

Despite the ruling stating that there was no significant fault or negligence on the World No.2's part, she was reprimanded by being given the suspension.

On the other hand, Jannik Sinner tested positive for the banned substance clostebol twice during the 2024 Indian Wells Masters in March. The Italian claimed that his physiotherapist unknowingly applied trace amounts of clostebol to his body during a massage.

The ITIA determined that the World No.1 bore no fault or negligence for the anti-doping rule violations and this ruling resulted in no punishment or suspension for the Italian.

Amidst these doping controversies, Taylor Fritz took to social media to express his frustration with the biased reactions from the tennis community. He stated that it is difficult to know all the details of these doping scandals and that is why he did not like speculating about these matters.

“It’s tough to know exactly what happened/all the details in all of these specific instances, so the speculation talk isn’t really my favorite thing to do," Fritz wrote. “That is so upsetting to see as a player, is the INSANE bias from the tennis public supporting whatever story pushes the agenda they want to be pushed."

Fritz also criticized the tendency of some to support stories that align with their own preferences, even if it means unfairly judging innocent players

“How are you not able to remove your own personal bias and form an educated and honest opinion for yourself? Even if as the player, you can prove your innocence (not saying anyone is or isn’t) people that support rival players/have bias against you will always blindly push the narrative you are a cheater, and that fact really makes me sad for all the true innocent players that have to go through this," he added.

Taylor Fritz calling out the bias in the tennis community amidst the doping controversies of Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner was praised by Rennae Stubbs. She praised his statement, writing :

“This is really well said Taylor!" Stubbs posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Iga Swiatek after receiving one-month suspension: “I was subjected to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence"

Iga Swiatek speaking to the press [Source: Getty]

Iga Swiatek took to social media to address her positive test for trimetazidine. She expressed that after undergoing a "strict" investigation by the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA), she was glad that her innocence was confirmed.

“I was subjected to strict ITIA proceedings, which confirmed my innocence. The only positive doping test in my career put everything I’ve worked so hard for my entire life into question," Iga Swiatek said.

In her statement, Swiatek mentioned that she was grateful that the proceedings with the ITIA had concluded, allowing her to shift her focus back to tennis

“Now everything has been carefully explained, and with a clean slate I can go back to what I love most. I know I will be stronger than ever . I’m just relieved it’s over," she added .

Following her positive test for trimetazidine in August 2024, Iga Swiatek was provisionally suspended from September 22 to October 4, 2024. This suspension resulted in her missing the Asian Swing and also forfeiting the money she had earned after competing at the 2024 Cincinnati Open.