The 2024 season brought incredible tennis, but it was also a year of controversy for two top players. On the ATP side, Jannik Sinner tested positive twice in March 2024. In the WTA, Iga Swiatek made headlines after a one-month absence linked to her positive test from August 2024, just before the Asian Swing. The fallout was real. Aryna Sabalenka admitted she was “scared of drinking water,” while Emma Raducanu refused treatment for an insect bite at the Australian Open. Taylor Fritz has his own stories to tell!

On May 24, at a pre-tournament press conference at Roland Garros, Fritz opened up about Jannik’s case and its impact. He said, “Yeah, I mean it’s I think regardless of what happened with Jannik, it’s always been very scary. I think, regardless of even when you are taking products that are, you know like, safe, it’s just so scary every time you go into a test.” For those who missed it, the Italian tested positive in March and accepted a suspension from WADA for three months, running from February 9 to May 9.

The case was ruled as “no fault or negligence.” Sinner came into contact with the banned substance from his former physiotherapist. Still, he had to take responsibility for his entourage. Fritz explained the process, saying, “The rule is, with our whereabouts, you give them the hour window and then if you have to be there in that hour, and if you’re not there, then you’ll get a strike. But if they find a way to make contact with you, whether it’s on the phone or some other way, outside of your window, then you have to make yourself available, which, to be honest, is very annoying.”

For tennis players with packed schedules, it’s a hassle. Fritz even shared his own experience. Explaining that even if they’re heading to practice and get a call, officials will show up at practice to collect a sample. Fritz had an “annoying” experience of his own.

He said, “One time, I got off a flight in… I think I got to Shanghai, so definitely not in my window at all, but they caught me in the lobby. I was so jet-lagged, but I couldn’t pee, and so the guy was basically just in my room. I was like taking naps for 10 minutes at a time because I was so jet-lagged and so tired, and I kept waking myself up every 10 minutes.” Exhausting, right?

That might have been last year, when Taylor Fritz played at the Shanghai Masters and reached the semifinals. It was his first deep run since the US Open final. He’s not alone in his frustration with doping tests and their timing.

Remember last year’s Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah? Jakub Mensik was in the middle of a match against Arthur Fils. He told the umpire, Nacho Forcadell, that he was asked for a test during a toilet break after the second set.

All this adds to Fritz’s frustration with the process. But dealing with it is simply part of being an athlete. Still, he’s pointed out another challenge. The tennis public can be a whole different issue when it comes to positive tests.

Taylor Fritz opens up about how a “favorite player” is treated differently

Since last year, players like Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios have pointed out a problem. They believe top players seem to get “partial treatment” in their doping controversies. They believe the system isn’t always fair to everyone. Taylor, however, sees a different problem. Speaking on social media, he voiced his frustration over how fans react differently depending on who’s involved.

“What drives me crazy about these situations is the double standard,” Fritz said. “If it’s a rival of the player you support, you want them branded as a cheater. But if it’s your favorite player, it’s all about innocence without question.” His remarks came after Iga Swiatek’s one-month suspension for testing positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), allegedly from contaminated melatonin. The ITIA ruled her fault minimal, but fans remained split.

Fritz also weighed in on other doping dramas, including Jannik Sinner’s case. He urged fans to trust the process instead of rushing to judgment. “At the end of the day, it’s between the player and their team. I trust the investigations were conducted properly,” he said. A fair reminder amid the noise.

Now, as Fritz prepares for his ninth French Open at Roland Garros, anticipation is high. Last year, he reached the fourth round — his best run yet. Will he go even further this time? Share your thoughts below!