The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has introduced a trial program offering financial and legal support to players involved in doping or corruption cases.
Under the initiative, accused players can access funding to test supplements in accredited laboratories or investigate potential sources of contamination in food products. The package also includes limited free legal assistance and confidential counselling through third-party providers.
The move comes after recent high-profile cases, including Grand Slam champions Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, who received relatively short bans, compared to lengthy proceedings like Britain’s Tara Moore, suspended for four years. Novak Djokovic highlighted the disparity in resources last year, noting the importance of equal access to legal representation for all players, regardless of ranking or profile.
The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), co-founded by Djokovic, has already provided free support from two leading law firms since January. While legal hours are limited and ITIA’s support has constraints, the program allows immediate access to assistance once a player tests positive, rather than waiting for formal charges.
Players can receive up to $5,000 (£3,730) to use a WADA-accredited lab for case preparation, alongside six sessions with Sporting Chance, a mental health organization supporting athletes.
Karen Moorhouse, ITIA Chief Executive, said: “Anyone part of an anti-doping or anti-corruption investigation deserves the opportunity to defend or explain themselves. These situations carry both financial and emotional costs, and players should have someone to talk to throughout the process.”
The program will be reviewed at the end of 2026.
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