The governing body concluded that the minimal concentration of the substance was unintentional, stemming from a sleep aid.
An investigation, conducted under strict confidentiality from 12 September to 28 November, was initiated after anti-doping controllers found a trace amount of trimetazidine (TMZ) in one of Świątek's samples, according to WP SportoweFakty.
Prior to the Cincinnati tournament, a minute concentration of TMZ measuring 0.05 ng/ml (50 pg/ml) was identified. Świątek's team reported that over 20 other anti-doping tests conducted on her this season returned negative results, including two tests before and two after 12 August, shortly after the conclusion of the Olympic Games.
The 22-year-old had a hiatus from tennis competition for over a month. Initially attributed to fatigue, it has now been revealed that she was provisionally suspended pending the investigation into the alleged doping violation.
The prohibited substance entered Świątek's system through a melatonin supplement intended to aid sleep—a necessity for an athlete frequently crossing time zones and playing at varying hours. Her team indicated that the trimetazidine contamination occurred during the manufacturing process of another medication at the factory level.
On Thursday, the ITIA announced its acceptance of Świątek's explanation. Her arguments were supported by analyses, expert opinions, and studies confirmed by specialists and an additional laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), commissioned by the ITIA.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24