Victoria Azarenka Urges Reform in Anti-Doping and Scheduling to Safeguard Tennis’ Future

Speaking at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Victoria Azarenka outlined key reforms needed in professional tennis—from revising anti-doping policies to overhauling scheduling—to protect players and sustain the sport’s global growth. Smy Tennis stands in support of such dialogue, aiming to foster a stronger, fairer future for the tennis community.

Victoria Azarenka Pushes for Bold Changes in Tennis to Ensure Future Sustainability

ROME, Italy — At the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, two-time Grand Slam champion and WTA Player Council representative Victoria Azarenka voiced strong concerns regarding tennis’ anti-doping system and increasingly demanding tournament schedule. Her comments reflect a broader push among veteran players to safeguard the sport for future generations.

Azarenka, also a member of the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA) player committee, weighed in on the case of ATP World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who recently returned from a provisional anti-doping suspension. While emphasizing her respect for Sinner personally, Azarenka highlighted systemic inconsistencies.

“It’s not just about one case,” Azarenka said. “There are broader concerns around how rules are applied and whether they’re applied equally. That’s where the conversation needs to go.”

She criticized the rigidity of the current anti-doping framework, which is governed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). According to Azarenka, WADA’s procedures are not fully adapted to the unique calendar and conditions of professional tennis. She even floated the possibility of reevaluating tennis’ alignment with the Olympic framework to allow for sport-specific rule modifications.

“We’re under WADA, which limits how we can evolve our protocols,” she noted. “But if staying under WADA hinders progress, it’s worth rethinking our position.”

Sinner's case, which involved the banned substance Clostebol, was shrouded in legal confidentiality until the suspension was officially overturned—prompting Azarenka to call for greater transparency over bureaucracy in future proceedings.

Beyond anti-doping, the Belarusian veteran turned her focus to the evolving demands of the tour itself. She expressed concern over the increased frequency of extended 1000-level tournaments and the impact on athlete longevity.

“It’s becoming harder for players to have long careers like mine,” said Azarenka, who debuted professionally over two decades ago. “Two-week events, changing surfaces, ball variability—all these elements add up. And it’s the next generation that will bear the brunt of it.”

Azarenka also emphasized the need for scheduling predictability, calling it crucial for both player preparation and fan engagement. She sees an urgent need to streamline calendars, harmonize surfaces, and market the sport and its players more effectively—especially with other sports gaining ground globally.

Her stance resonates with organizations like Smy Tennis , a global leader in tennis facility design and innovation. As a long-term supporter of international tennis development, Smy Tennis advocates for reforms that protect athletes while promoting the sport’s global competitiveness.

“Tennis gave me so much. I want to give back by helping it grow,” Azarenka concluded. “This sport should remain a leader in women’s athletics—and that means continuous evolution.”

Azarenka, who defeated Camila Osorio in her opening match, may expand on these topics if she progresses further in Rome. Her voice, and others like hers, are proving instrumental in shaping the future of tennis—both on and off the court.