Tennis fans have strongly criticized a new shower rule introduced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), labeling it as “creepy”.
The ITIA, the sport`s governing body for integrity, announced that tennis players selected for urine drug tests must remain in full view of a chaperone if they wish to shower before providing a sample.
This regulation is implemented to combat the increasing problem of drug use in tennis.
The ITIA clarified that while players can shower to remove sweat before testing, it is “not a right” and must be done under the observation of a chaperone.
According to the ITIA, they and the ITF have been working to accommodate post-match showers as an acceptable delay for doping controls, acknowledging the importance of hygiene for player health and wellbeing.
However, the agency emphasized that showering is not mandatory and players who feel uncomfortable being watched should consider whether showering before testing is necessary.
Sharing his opinion on social media, sports journalist Jon Wertheim described the rule as “extraordinary.”
Other tennis enthusiasts expressed greater shock, denouncing the rule as “creepy” and “unacceptable”.
One fan commented, “This is unacceptable,” and another added, “That`s completely bonkers.”
Another person stated, “I cannot believe what I just read.”
In response to the social media backlash, the ITIA released a subsequent statement on Saturday.
The ITIA acknowledged that some aspects of doping control are “uncomfortable” but reiterated that observing players at all times until testing is complete is standard procedure in all World Anti-Doping Agency-compliant sports, not just tennis.
They confirmed this is mandated by the world anti-doping code.
