Emma Raducanu has voiced significant concern about the possibility of failing a drug test. Her anxiety stems from the potential of unintentionally consuming contaminated medicine or even being deliberately targeted and spiked in restaurants, situations that make her feel uneasy on every occasion.
This week`s Italian Open in Rome features the return of Jannik Sinner, following the conclusion of a three-month ban for a doping violation, which he agreed upon with officials from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The world number one twice tested positive for the prohibited anabolic steroid clostebol in March 2024 but denied any intention to deliberately enhance his performance.
The 23-year-old stated that the contamination was accidental, caused by a steroid cream his physiotherapist had used on his own hands before treating Sinner. The physiotherapist was subsequently fired.
An independent tribunal initially cleared Sinner, the reigning Australian and US Open champion, of doping charges, determining he bore “no fault or negligence”.
Separately, five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, 23, accepted a one-month suspension during the off-season after testing positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a prohibited substance, in an out-of-competition sample taken in August 2024.
Anti-doping authorities accepted that Swiatek`s positive result was due to contamination of a regulated, non-prescription melatonin supplement.
Raducanu, 22, explained, “I`m reluctant to take anything, even if doctors advise it, solely because of the risk of contamination.”
She added, “Even if a substance isn`t listed as prohibited, you can`t be sure it hasn`t been contaminated by another product.”
“It might have a green tick (certification), but if it`s contaminated, you`ll still face severe repercussions.”
She further elaborated on her fears: “We could go to a restaurant, and someone could potentially put something in our drink. It`s truly difficult, especially if you are recognizable and the waiter knows who you are.”
“It`s something I constantly worry about – I feel nervous every single time.”
A former coach claimed Emma Raducanu`s mental state played a major role in his swift departure.
Raducanu, currently ranked 49th globally, is set to compete against a qualifier in the first round of the Italian Open on Wednesday. The winner will advance to face the Russian world number 21, Ekaterina Alexandrova.
With Wimbledon roughly eight weeks away, she expressed satisfaction with her current coaching arrangements but stated she will need to “figure out another solution” towards the end of the year.
She is interested in developing a more long-term coaching partnership with Mark Petchey, a trusted contact who also works as a commentator for the Tennis Channel.
Jane O’Donoghue, a friend and former national women’s coach for the LTA, is also helping her, though O`Donoghue is currently on sabbatical from her full-time job in finance.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Raducanu commented, “It`s been working quite well.”
“Mark is managing his commentary commitments and will help me as much as he can around that. Hopefully, our schedules will align so he can be present during my matches.”
“That`s why Jane is assisting when he cannot attend sessions.”
“While she`s not working, it`s great to have her support as much as possible, but once she returns to her job, I`ll need to find a different arrangement.”
“I want to use this clay court season to focus on improving certain aspects of my game that I believe will help me bridge the gap to the next level.”
“I want to be more assertive, play more aggressively at certain points, and structure rallies more on my own terms.”
“I know adopting this approach might result in more errors, but I am willing to accept that in pursuit of development.”
