Introduction
We believe that the vast majority of tennis players are clean and intend to abide by the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) rules. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) oversees the TADP to ensure that the reputation of clean players is protected and their achievements in the game are rightly celebrated.
It is also fair to say that some athletes will choose to cheat and that others may fall foul of the rules due to carelessness or inadvertently.
The World Anti-Doping Programme Code rules do not allow much flexibility for carelessness and any anti-doping violation – whether deliberate or not – may have multiple consequences:
- Disqualification of results: Previous results in tournaments can be disqualified, with the loss of titles and ranking points.
- Significant bans: The ban for a first offence can be up to four years, with longer suspensions for more serious and second offences.
- Loss of prize money: Players found guilty of an offence will have to repay the prize money from all competitions for which their results were disqualified. This can include doubles partners.
- Public disclosure: News of the ban will be published which will impact your reputation among fellow players, friends and family. It is likely that the name of anyone found guilty will be in the press and on social media – and this will remain online forever.
- The future: The loss of ranking points can mean that, when a player regains their eligibility, they must start competing at the bottom of the professional game. Sponsors may be less willing to be associated with players who have committed violations, as that association may damage their reputation.
- Damage to health: Doping can damage long-term physical health, as well as psychological and mental wellbeing.
Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP)
Tennis you can trust
The ITIA now manages the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme on behalf of the sport.
Who does TADP apply to?
The rules apply to everyone in professional tennis world wide.
Anti-Doping rules apply to those who play at Grand Slam, WTA, ATP, Olympic, Paralympic, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Hopman Cup and ITF events.
Everything you need to know
Important information about the TADP
What could go wrong?
If players do not follow the rules they can face a lengthy ban from all sport. Players should be fully aware of the rules, especially the doping control procedures including their rights and responsibilities.
What is Banned?
The list of banned substances and methods is updated annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
Medicine
It is the responsibility of players to be aware of what medicine they are taking and to ensure they are seeking and receiving appropriate medical advice.
Supplements
Supplements should be treated with caution as these can be contaminated and be the cause of inadvertent doping offences
The testing process
WADA video about what happens when a player is tested both at an event or out of competition.
Whereabouts
Some tennis players are required to provide information about where they can be found for testing at any time as part of the worldwide “Whereabouts” system.
If you think you’ve seen or heard something suspicious regarding either doping or match fixing, please report it to us. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it’s the right thing to do and keeps the sport fair.
International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) 2021 Annual Review
A summary of the ITIA's operations in 2021 - its first year as a legally independent organisation
The 2022 ITIA app is available now
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