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The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) is an independent organization dedicated to preserving the integrity of world tennis. Its primary role is to prevent, investigate and eliminate doping and other unethical practices in tennis.
The ITIA was established in January 2021, combining the functions of the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) and the Anti-Doping Programme. This merger made it possible to more effectively address the problems relating to the spread of doping in professional tennis.
There are several bodies that monitor doping and anti-doping in tennis, in collaboration with the ITIA. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the global organization that coordinates and promotes the fight against doping in all sports.
It provides guidelines and regulations that are adopted by international sports federations, including the International Tennis Federation (ITF). At a national level, many countries have anti-doping organizations that work closely with the ITIA to ensure compliance with anti-doping rules.
For example, in the United States there is the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), while in Australia there is the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA). These bodies work with the ITIA to conduct drug testing, investigations and disciplinary processes.
The authorities who monitor doping in tennis
The ITIA carries out various activities to ensure the integrity of tennis. One of its main functions is to conduct drug testing on players, both on a random and targeted basis.
These tests can be carried out both during tournaments and in non-competitive moments. Furthermore, the ITIA can analyze data from players' biological passports to identify any anomalies that could indicate the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Additionally, the ITIA investigates potential doping violations or unethical behavior in tennis. It has a team of expert investigators who collaborate with other authorities, such as law enforcement and government bodies, to collect evidence and carry out thorough investigations.
In the event of confirmed violations, the ITIA has the power to impose disciplinary sanctions, such as disqualifications and fines. In addition to prevention, surveillance and investigation activities, the ITIA is also committed to training and raising awareness of professional tennis players, coaches and staff.
It organizes anti-doping training programs and provides information on prohibited substances and anti-doping rules. ITIA and the bodies that monitor doping and anti-doping in tennis play a fundamental role in defending the integrity of professional tennis.
Through doping tests, investigations and disciplinary sanctions, they seek to eliminate doping and other unethical practices from sport, thus ensuring a fair and reliable playing environment.
