Wimbledon Girl's Finalist Provisionally Suspended For Doping
2023 Wimbledon girls’ singles runner up, 18-year-old Nikola Bartunkova, has been provisionally suspended under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) for doping. The player from Czechia tested positive twice for trimetazidine in samples provided in February and March of this year. Bartunkova, who reached a career-high ranking of 226 in April 2024, faces a mandatory provisional suspension effective from April 16, 2024.
Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a metabolic modulator that is typically used as heart medication but is prohibited under the TADP unless a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is provided.Bartunkova did not provide a valid TUE, resulting in the suspension. The provisional suspension prohibits Bartunkova from playing, coaching, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) members or any national association.
The ITIA, an independent body established to safeguard the integrity of professional tennis, is responsible for enforcing anti-doping regulations. ITIA members include ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA.
Current Controversy Surrounding Trimetazidine
Bartunkova's suspension is not the only high profile case of suspected doping at this time, with controversies currently surrounding trimetazidine and the Chinese Olympic swimming team. The tennis player now has a short deadline to provide an explanation for the positive test, after which the ITIA will decide whether to proceed with issuing a formal charge for an anti-doping violation.
Despite her suspension, Bartunkova is regarded as one of the most promising talents in tennis, known for her aggressive playing style. She reached the Wimbledon girls' singles final in 2023 and has since climbed the rankings to No. 282 in the singles on the WTA Tour, demonstrating her potential in the sport. As the investigation unfolds, the tennis community awaits further developments regarding Bartunkova's case and its implications for the sport.
