In modern sports, testing positive for banned substances is one of the biggest red lines. And so Croatian tennis player Jana Fett has been provisionally suspended for testing positive for “three prohibited substances,” according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency on Friday.

The 29-year-old, currently ranked No. 189 in the world, gave the sample while competing in the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs in Varaždin, Croatia, back in November.

In a statement, the ITIA said players have the right to appeal a provisional suspension before an independent tribunal chair. “To date, Fett has not appealed,” the agency confirmed.

The ITIA reported the banned substances were ostarine, which can help stimulate muscle growth; LGD-4033, which increases lean muscle mass and has anabolic effects; and GW501516, also known as GW1516, which was stopped in 2007 after being linked to rapid cancer development in mouse trials.

Fett’s provisional suspension took effect on December 22, which explains why she hasn’t played yet this season. Fett hasn’t competed on tour since the first week of December, when she lost in the quarterfinals of an ITF tournament in Italy.

The 29-year-old is currently Croatia’s fourth-highest-ranked singles player at No. 189 in the world. She has played in five Grand Slam main draws, reaching the second round at both the 2018 Australian Open and the 2024 French Open. She has also won 10 ITF titles, highlighted by her biggest victory so far at the 2024 Oeiras Open, a W100 event.

Anyway, the management agency that previously represented Fett also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

While the provisional suspension remains in place, Fett is banned from competing, training, or attending any tennis events run by ITIA members. That includes the ATP, ITF, WTA, the Grand Slam tournaments, and all national tennis associations.

Croatia’s Tennis Federation speaks out in support of Jana Fett

The Croatian Tennis Federation has confirmed it was notified about a positive doping test involving national team player Jana Fett.

“At this time, this is all we know about the situation,” Croatian Tennis Federation president Zdravko Marić said. “Knowing Jana as an extremely fair athlete, I truly believe she took the prohibited substance unintentionally, and not to gain any sporting advantage. We will be in contact with Jana and the ITA.”

Jana Fett has now responded as well, sharing a message that echoed the Croatian Tennis Federation’s statement.

Posting on her Instagram just a few hours ago, she wrote: “Hi friends, as many of you may know, I am currently involved in an ongoing anti-doping case and am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities. I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any prohibited substances and remain fully committed to clean and fair sport.”

She also added that she is actively working to clear her name. “I am working closely with my advisors and the ITIA to establish my innocence. Thank you for your understanding and support 🤍,” Fett wrote.

For now, it appears Jana Fett is fully committed to the process and determined to prove her innocence. So what are your thoughts on this situation?