Vondrousova Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles, Doping Control Incident
Former World No. 6 Marketa Vondrousova issued a public statement on social media on Friday, addressing her current situation, including her mental health and recent events surrounding a doping control incident.
The Czech said she is working to “slowly find [her] way back, both on and off the court,” while focusing on recovery and managing her physical and mental condition.
Vondrousova, who reinjured her left shoulder at last year’s US Open, has played just five singles matches since, losing four. She was part of Team Czechia’s win over Switzerland at BJK Cup this weekend, partnering Tereza Valentova in a loss to Belinda Bencic and Viktorija Golubic.
She is ranked 46 at the moment.
According to her statement, medical experts diagnosed Vondrousova with an acute stress reaction and generalized anxiety disorder. She said the diagnoses followed a period marked by injury, ongoing physical and mental pressure, and sleep-related issues.
At Odds With Doping Protocols, Under Investigation
Last December Vondrousova took to Twitter to complain about testers who came to her residence outside of her stated hour of availability.
“Is it normal for doping officers to sit in our living rooms at night waiting for us to pee?” she wrote on Instagram. “This is not about avoiding testing – it’s about respect. Respect for the rules that we follow, and for the personal life that we’re entitled to after a long day of training and competition. Rules should apply to everyone, even to those enforcing them.”
The 2023 Wimbledon champion faces a potential ban of up to four years after failing to provide a sample during that out-of-competition doping control last December, according to reports. Vondrousouva argues that the officer from Germany’s anti-doping agency did not follow standard procedures during the attempted test on December 3. As a result, she refused to let the official into her apartment.
The 26-year-old stated that fear affected her judgment during a recent doping control situation, which she said occurred after she reached a “breaking point” following months of stress. She also referenced security concerns, noting that an unidentified person rang her door late at night, which contributed to her reaction.
“In that moment, fear clouded my judgment and I couldn’t process the situation rationally.” Vondrousova said. “After what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly.”
She added that she is continuing efforts to clear her name while taking time to recover.
“For a long time, I’ve been dealing with injury, constant pressure, and ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile,” she said. “It slowly wore me down more than I probably realized at the time.
“On top of that, years of hateful messages and threats have affected how safe I feel in my own space. When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol, I reacted as someone who felt scared. In that moment, it was about feeling safe, not about avoiding anything.”
Vondrousova said she plans to step back temporarily in order to focus on her health and well-being.
“Tennis has always been my world, but right now I’m also focusing on healing and getting through this in the best way I can,” she said. “I’m still working to clear my name, but at the same time I need to take care of myself. Thank you to my boyfriend, my family, and everyone who has stood by me — it means more than I can explain.”
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