The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has released a statement introducing a rather unusual update to its anti-doping program.
According to this new rule, athletes must remain under supervision while showering after matches. If a player feels uncomfortable being observed, they are advised to consider showering before providing a sample for doping control.
On March 19, it was reported that the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA), organized by world number five Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner, has initiated legal actions in the European Union, the USA, and the UK against tennis governing bodies, including the ITIA. The reasons include disrespect for players, neglect of their interests and health, an unfair ranking system, and conspiring to reduce competition.
On that same day, Witold Bańka, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and former Polish athlete, instructed a special commission to consider amendments to the current World Anti-Doping Code due to concerns about sample contamination.
