ITIA Quarterly Update - Q1 2026

An introduction from Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA

Integrity cases in 2026 to date, including that of Markéta Vondroušová, reflect the significance of the ITIA’s work in the sport.

As that particular case is active, we must allow due process to take place, and we will uphold confidentiality until it has concluded. Of course, we understand that there are likely to be questions about the circumstances, and we’ll answer them openly when it is appropriate to do so. As any case progresses, it is essential that every player has the opportunity to be heard fairly, irrespective of their profile or standing.

In general, athletes being tested when requested is at the heart of all anti-doping programmes. Ultimately, the potential sanction for a test refusal begins at four years so that individuals cheating the system cannot gain an advantage, or a lesser suspension, by refusing to be tested. Players are routinely reminded that they can be tested at any time – including at times outside of their allocated hour, if they provide whereabouts.

That said, we absolutely recognise that while a strong anti-doping programme is important to protect the sport, it can be uncomfortable for individuals directly involved. Our doping control officers are well-qualified, well-trained and experienced – and they too have a challenging job, which they perform according to strict protocols set by WADA and the ITIA.

Our player support programme pilot, which includes access to funded independent counselling through Sporting Chance, free anti-doping legal aid via Sport Resolutions, and financial support for product testing or investigations, continues to be utilised by players to explore the source of unintentional breaches of the rules.

However, we must be realistic, and acknowledge that not all breaches are inadvertent. The case involving Marinko Matosevic, concluded in March, is an example of this.

While many of Matosevic’s breaches were historic, the evidence was uncovered while he remained firmly embedded within the sport, working day-to-day as a coach on the tour, in a role of significant influence mentoring players of the current generation.

While our Cases Explained video lays out the breadth and depth of Matosevic’s breaches, there are also important lessons here for players and their support teams beyond the details.

Integrity in sport depends not only on the ITIA or our rules, but on the good decisions each player, coach, official, and support person makes every day, particularly in situations where there may be pressure, opportunity, or a perceived advantage.

Ultimately, taking decisive action in cases of this nature is about more than sanctioning one individual. It is about protecting the wider game, reinforcing the standards expected across the sport, and sending a clear message that intentional breaches of the rules have no place in tennis.

In that spirit, we continue to encourage people within the sport to make contact with us through whatever means they feel comfortable, whether it be on site at a tournament, through a secure WhatsApp message on The Line, social media, or on our website, if they see or hear something that doesn’t feel right.