Doping Tests in Tennis: Insights from Jack Draper
In the wake of increased scrutiny regarding doping in tennis, player Jack Draper shed light on the often awkward and intimate nature of doping tests following his victory in the initial round of the 2025 Roland Garros tournament. The past year has seen a surge in interest surrounding doping regulations, particularly after the unraveling of high-profile doping cases involving two notable former World No. 1 players, prompting many athletes to share their experiences with these mandatory procedures.
Acknowledging the Challenges
Draper’s insights come at a time when the tennis community is more aware than ever of the complexities surrounding doping tests. Fellow player Jessica Pegula famously recounted having to drink beer to produce a urine sample at the US Open, while Naomi Osaka has openly expressed her discomfort with blood sampling due to the hassle involved.
“It’s obviously a difficult moment, right? You sometimes push so hard that you may have involuntary reactions right next to the person watching you. It’s a tough job for them as well,”
During a post-match interview, Draper was asked how he handles the sometimes challenging circumstances that accompany testing, particularly the urine samples that athletes must provide. This procedure usually necessitates that a representative from the anti-doping organization supervise the process, ensuring authenticity and integrity of the samples. However, as Draper pointed out, it can be difficult for players to meet immediate testing requests, as physical exertion can affect their ability to provide a sample on demand.
He referenced a recent story from fellow competitor Tallon Griekspoor who humorously detailed waiting three hours before he could produce a sample, during which time he and an official passed the time by watching television together. Draper recounted his own experiences with these moments of tension, describing how athletes, in their desperation to comply, can end up in peculiar and uncomfortable situations.
He emphasized understanding the perspective of the anti-doping officials, suggesting that while it can be frustrating waiting around after a match, it is equally arduous for the person overseeing the test.
“It’s not easy for them either, and it can lead to some rather awkward moments,”
Focusing on the Next Challenge
With a successful start at the French Open, having defeated Mattia Bellucci in a four-set encounter, Draper now aims to focus on his next challenge against French favorite Gael Monfils, hoping to sidestep any distractions linked to doping protocols throughout the tournament.
