Tomljanovic accuses anti-doping chiefs of being out to get players after Vondrousova ban

Ajla Tomljanovic has accused tennis anti-doping chiefs of being "out to get" players after Marketa Vondrousova was handed a four-year suspension for refusing an out-of-competition doping test at her home.

The Australian player said the case was a disgrace and added that she has had generally negative experiences with anti-doping officials, putting fresh pressure on the International Tennis Integrity Agency's approach to surprise testing.

What happened

The ITIA announced on June 22, 2026 that Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, had been banned for four years after a tribunal found she refused to provide a sample during a December 2025 home visit by a doping control officer.

Reporting said Vondrousova signed a refusal form after the visit. The sanction would keep her out of sanctioned tennis through June 21, 2030.

Vondrousova said in her explanation to the tribunal that she was scared and dealing with acute stress and anxiety. She said she felt threatened during the incident.

The tribunal, however, found there was no compelling justification for refusing the test.

Tomljanovic's reaction

Tomljanovic's criticism turned the ban into a broader dispute about how tennis enforces anti-doping rules.

Her remarks focused on the way officials carry out surprise checks at players' homes, arguing that the system is being used against athletes rather than simply to protect the sport.

Why it matters

The case raises wider scrutiny over tennis anti-doping enforcement and how authorities balance surprise testing with player safety concerns.

The ITIA has defended the practice, saying unannounced testing is essential to keep tennis clean.

Vondrousova may appeal the ruling, according to the reporting, and further comments from either side could add more detail on the process and the next legal steps.