British No.1 Johanna Konta has described the system anti-doping officers use to collect samples as an ‘invasive process’ as she calls for further improvements.
The Wimbledon semi-finalist confirmed on Saturday that she missed one of her drug tests due to a misunderstanding. Under current rules, if a player misses three tests within 12 months they have broken anti-doping rules. Making them at risk of being suspended. Players must be available for one-hour a day for out-of-competition testing in accordance with the whereabouts rule.
“It was basically a mix-up of basically time zones more than anything.” Said Konta.
“I set my whereabouts. My whereabouts was for 6 a.m. on the Monday morning in London, but I flew on Sunday to Indian Wells. I arrived on Sunday at Indian Wells. When I got to the hotel, it was a little after 10 p.m., so I changed my whereabouts for the Monday morning. The testing officer came out on the Monday morning, which it was already Monday morning in London.”
Konta is not the first player to have missed a test. Earlier this year Alize Cornet was at risk of being banned for missing three. She avoided the suspension after an independent panel concluded that the doping control officer didn’t take ‘reasonable steps’ to locate her on one occasion. Not that this is of any comfort for Konta.
“When that happened, I was super stressed. I definitely felt hard done by because I’ve always tried so hard to be really vigilant with it.” She said.
“It felt like I got called out on a technicality more than anything. After those initial few days of being stressed about it, Oh, no, I’m down to two, I just kind of took responsibility for it, then just tried to adjust and make sure that I get it as far in advance as possible.”
According to the International Tennis Federation, Konta was tested more than 10 times during 2017. Undergoing between four and six in-competition tests and at least seven out of competition. The figures doesn’t count any additional samples that might have been taken by national doping agencies.
Reflecting on the process, the 27-year-old believes the way of obtaining samples from players can be improved further. Madison Brengle is currently in the process of launching legal action against the WTA and ITF. Accusing the governing bodies of disregarding her medical condition when obtaining blood, which has caused her to suffer injuries. Brengle suffers from complex regional pain syndrome Type 1.
“It’s important to have integrity in this sport, but I do feel there’s definitely room for improvement in the way athletes are sometimes treated.” Said Konta.
“ It’s quite a violating process: People come to your home. You’re in your pajamas. You get woken out of bed, pulled out of bed, told to take down your pants, give your arm, pee in a cup. It’s an invasive process.”
“It’s something that comes with the territory, but again, I don’t think it’s something I will miss when I retire.” She later joke.
The Serena article
Doping controls may be in the spotlight throughout Wimbledon following a report claiming that Serena Williams is being unfairly targeted by doping officers. An article by Deadspin, revealed that on June 14th a officer from the USTA went to Williams’ Florida home and demanded a sample. The 36-year-old was not at home and the officer visited outside of the allotted time.
The plot thickens after Deadspin said they published the report following a tip-off. An unnamed individual heard the head of the WTA, Steve Simon, speaking on the phone about Williams at San Francisco airport. She has complained to both the USTA and WTA about the frequency of her tests. Williams have already been tested five times this year by the American anti-doping body USADA.
“Over her 23-year career in tennis, Serena Williams has never tested positive for any illegal substance despite being tested significantly more than other professional tennis players, both male and female – in fact, four times more frequently than her peers. She has vocally supported, respected and complied with USADA testing throughout her entire career. While she willingly continues to submit to testing, there is absolutely no reason for this kind of invasive and targeted treatment.” A spokesperson for Williams told Deadspin.
The 23-time grand slam champion is yet to comment on the article.
