Iga Swiatek described as a ‘robot’ as former world No 1 warns she ‘could fall apart’

Former world No 1 Dinara Safina believes Iga Swiatek “will be interesting to watch” during the forthcoming season following her failed drug test.

Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine at the Cincinnati Open in August with the news only relayed to the player in September.

The Pole missed three tournaments during the Asian swing and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced in late November that Swiatek was hit with a one-month suspension as it was deemed she carried “no significant fault or negligence”.

The former world No 1 returned to action at the WTA Finals and her suspension has now been completed, paving the way for her to compete at next year’s United Cup and the Australian Open.

Swiatek admitted after the news broke that she had several restless nights after she was informed about her failed test, saying: “There were countless tears and nights spent awake, riddled with worry.

“The uncertainty was the hardest aspect. I was left guessing about my future in tennis, uncertain of whether I would even be able to play again.”

The 23-year-old added: “I sense that this situation could jeopardize the image I have painstakingly built over the years.

“I sincerely hope fans will comprehend the circumstances and recognise that I had no control over this unfortunate situation. I urge you to continue supporting me because I genuinely doubt I would have managed to find the strength to persist without my supporters’ backing

After returning at the WTA Finals, Swiatek won two of her round-robin matches and lost one as she exited the tournament after the group stage.

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