ITIA tightens anti-doping: one hour a day, even at tournaments

From January 2027, players in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) will have to name a 60-minute window every day when they can be found for anti-doping controls, including during tournaments. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the change and will shrink the group to manage it: about 80% of the players now in the RTP will move to a wider testing pool, where the daily-hour requirement does not apply.

The change comes from the revised World Anti-Doping Code, in force from 2027. Until now tennis had an in-competition exemption, granted because of the unpredictability of players' schedules. "Players who remain in the reduced RTP will have to provide a daily 60-minute slot, like athletes in every WADA-compliant sport, both in and out of competition," the ITIA said.

In 2026 the RTP includes, among others, the top 100 men and top 100 women in the singles rankings and the top 10 in doubles. For those who stay in the smaller group, three missed obligations in 12 months, whether filing errors or missed tests, can lead to a sanction. According to the ITIA, the total number of players across the two pools will stay in line with the current figure, and the frequency and volume of testing are not expected to change. Players moving to the wider pool must still give a sample when a doping control officer asks: a refusal can cost up to four years' suspension.

The new rules also add more protection in cases of contamination from medication, food, drink or environmental exposure, and allow more flexible sanctions for certain recreational drug cases with no link to sporting performance.

Players will learn in November which pool they have been placed in. The ITIA will not make individual assignments public, so outsiders will not know who has to provide the 60-minute window.