Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova disclosed on Friday that she experienced an Acute Stress Reaction during a doping control incident in December.
Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon winner, stated the incident occurred after she felt she had reached a breaking point due to prolonged physical and mental stress. She described a "serious intrusion into my privacy" when a doping control officer arrived late at night demanding an immediate test.
"For a long time, I've been dealing with injury, constant pressure and ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile," Vondrousova wrote on Instagram. She also cited "years of hateful messages and threats" affecting her sense of security, leading her to react out of fear when the officer arrived without proper identification or protocol.
Experts confirmed she suffered an Acute Stress Reaction and Generalised Anxiety Disorder, noting that fear clouded her judgment. The 26-year-old has not competed since the Adelaide International in January due to a shoulder injury but is entered for the Madrid Open.
Vondrousova drew a parallel to her compatriot Petra Kvitova, who suffered severe injuries during a home invasion. "After what happened to Petra, we don't take strangers at our door lightly," Vondrousova added. She is currently working to clear her name while prioritizing her well-being.