London, Nov 29 (Reporter) Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for trimetazidine (TMZ) during an out-of-competition test in August 2024, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The ITIA confirmed the test, conducted on 12 August, was part of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. Swiatek was notified of the positive result on 12 September, and a provisional suspension was imposed starting from that date. At the time, Swiatek was the world number 1 in women's singles. The 23-year-old has explained that the positive test stemmed from contaminated melatonin tablets, which she was taking for jet lag and sleep-related issues. She acknowledged that she did not have a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the substance. After a thorough investigation, the ITIA accepted that the contamination of the melatonin supplements caused the positive result. The Agency determined that Swiatek's level of fault was "at the lowest end of the range for ‘No Significant Fault or Negligence’." As part of the sanction, Swiatek's provisional suspension, from 12 September to 4 October 2024, was counted towards the one-month suspension. She will remain ineligible for competition for an additional eight days, with her suspension set to end on 4 December 2024. The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) expressed full support for Swiatek during this challenging period. The WTA released a statement saying, "Iga has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fair play and upholding the principles of clean sport. This unfortunate incident highlights the challenges athletes face in navigating the use of medications and supplements." Swiatek’s suspension marks a setback for the tennis world number 1, but the player remains committed to her career and clean sport principles, according to her representatives...////...