'I take...' Holger Rune opens up about transparency in 'Doping' testing in Tennis

Holger Rune emphasized the importance of strong testing procedures in tennis during his initial remarks on doping, following the news that Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner had tested positive for a banned substance. The situation prompted important discussions about the transparency of doping cases in the sport and whether there is consistency in how different players are treated.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency conducted a thorough five-month investigation into Sinner's positive tests for clostebol during the Indian Wells Open, but the findings were kept confidential until he was exonerated. Details of the case were made public just days before the USOpen.

With the World Anti-Doping Agency filing an appeal against his clearance, Sinner's concerns have understandably heightened. A definitive ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected sometime in 2025. Meanwhile, Swiatek faced a provisional suspension on September 12 after testing positive for trimetazidine in an out-of-competition sample.

Rune's take on 'Doping'

Rune addressed the issue of doping testing ahead of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in London. While we've scrutinized several aspects of the process, Dane firmly believes that the testing protocols are highly robust.

Additionally, Rune also outlined the proactive measures he implements to guarantee that he will never test positive for a banned substance.

“We had a lot of doping control this year. Before the Olympics this year, I had around 20 (tests), and that is a lot, but they are doing everything to keep the sport clean, which is very, very important," Rune said.

“I take a lot of care about the supplements I take like every player, but it can be unfortunate or it can be something else (if you test positive)," Rune added.

"Personally, I always take care of what I eat and drink. If I leave a drink anywhere, I never pick it up again. You have to protect yourself where you can to make sure I can do what I can to do what I love, and that’s play tennis every day," Rune added.

"I do blood tests maybe once a year to see what my body needs more of, but that’s too personal to talk about. It’s things like vitamin C when you get sick, and you need more of that,” Rune concluded.