LONDON — The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that Croatian tennis player Jana Fett has been provisionally suspended from the sport after testing positive for three separate banned substances. The 27-year-old, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 97 in 2018, returned the adverse analytical finding from a sample collected out-of-competition on February 22, 2024.
The ITIA’s statement, released on Tuesday, detailed that Fett’s sample contained metabolites of SARM S-22 (also known as Ostarine), LGD-4033 (Ligandrol), and GW1516 (Cardarine). All three are classified as non-specified substances under Section S1.2 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, which covers "Other Anabolic Agents."
Fett, who is currently ranked World No. 242, has not competed on the WTA Tour since the 2023 French Open, where she lost in the first round of qualifying. She has primarily been active on the ITF circuit. Her provisional suspension is effective from April 15, 2024, pending the full resolution of her case.
The Substances and Their Implications
The detection of three distinct prohibited substances in a single sample is a rare and serious occurrence in tennis. Each compound carries significant performance-enhancing potential, which is why they are strictly banned at all times, both in and out of competition. The presence of multiple substances often complicates a defense, as it suggests a pattern of use rather than a potential one-time contamination event.
SARM S-22 (Ostarine) and LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) are both Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. They are designed to mimic the muscle-building effects of anabolic steroids with fewer androgenic side effects. These substances are known for:
- Increasing lean muscle mass and strength
- Enhancing the rate of recovery from training
- Reducing body fat percentage
GW1516 (Cardarine) operates on a different mechanism. It is a PPARδ receptor agonist, primarily known as an endurance-enhancing agent. It increases the body's capacity for fat oxidation and stimulates the growth of slow-twitch muscle fibers, allowing athletes to train harder and longer with less fatigue. Its inclusion alongside two SARMs points to a potential regimen targeting both power and stamina.
Fett's Response and the Path Forward
In accordance with the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), Fett has the right to request that the 'B' sample be analyzed to confirm the initial findings. She can also present her case before an independent tribunal. The ITIA has stated that the case will follow the standard results management process in line with the World Anti-Doping Code.
While Fett has not yet made a public statement, her representatives will likely explore all avenues for defense. Common defenses in such cases include arguing inadvertent ingestion through a contaminated supplement, a lack of intent, or challenging the scientific validity of the testing process. However, given the strict liability principle in anti-doping—where the athlete is ultimately responsible for any substance found in their body—the burden of proof rests squarely on Fett.
An ITIA spokesperson emphasized the organization's commitment to a clean sport, stating: "The ITIA is committed to protecting the integrity of tennis. The provisional suspension of Jana Fett underscores the effectiveness of our out-of-competition testing program. We will ensure a fair and thorough process is followed as we move towards an independent tribunal."
Potential Sanctions and Career Impact
The sanctions for a violation involving multiple non-specified substances can be severe. Under the TADP, the baseline period of ineligibility for such an offense is four years. This can be reduced if the athlete can establish how the substance entered their body and that they bore no significant fault or negligence. Conversely, if the ITIA can prove the doping was intentional, the ban can be extended to a maximum of four years.
For Fett, a suspension at the longer end of the scale could effectively end her professional career. Now 27, a four-year ban would see her return to the tour at age 31, having missed the peak competitive years of her athletic life. Even a reduced ban of two years would present a monumental challenge to regain ranking points, match fitness, and a place in the highly competitive tennis landscape.
This case serves as a stark reminder to all professional athletes. Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA, recently highlighted the ongoing risks: "The threat of doping is ever-evolving, and our intelligence-led testing program is designed to target those substances we know pose a risk to our sport. Athletes must be vigilant about everything they ingest."
A Broader Context for Tennis
Fett's provisional suspension is the latest in a series of doping cases handled by the ITIA in recent years, reinforcing the message that no player, regardless of ranking or profile, is beyond scrutiny. The agency, which is fully independent from the ATP, WTA, and ITF, has steadily increased its out-of-competition testing, which is considered the most effective deterrent to doping.
The tennis world has reacted with a mixture of disappointment and reaffirmed support for anti-doping measures. Fellow players often express sympathy for athletes caught in such situations but maintain a zero-tolerance stance on intentional doping. The complexity of the global supplement industry, however, is frequently cited as a genuine concern for clean athletes.
As the process unfolds, the focus will remain on the integrity of the sport. The ITIA’s meticulous handling of the case will be watched closely, as it must balance the imperative of punishing violations with ensuring the accused receives a fair hearing. The final decision of the independent tribunal will set a significant precedent for how multiple-substance cases are adjudicated under the current TADP rules.
For now, Jana Fett’s tennis career is on hold. The coming months will determine whether she can mount a successful defense or face a lengthy suspension that will define the legacy of her time in professional tennis. The case underscores the critical, ongoing battle to maintain a level playing field in a sport where marginal gains can translate into major victories and lucrative careers.