Iga Swiatek, a self-described “control freak,” is taking new precautions — including holding on to extra samples of medicine she takes, in case they need to be tested at some point — after a doping case she described as “probably,

Coco Gauff defended Iga Swiatek's quality of play and innocence in the doping scandal during a press conference at the Australian Open.

The topic of doping cases involving tennis players Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek remains a talking point as the 2025 Grand Slam season opens at the Australian Open.

FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Zheng Qinwen of China during the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

As Aryna Sabalenka prepares to launch her quest for a third straight Australian Open title, Iga Swiatek knows how her rival is likely to be feeling.

It was a meaningless hit-and-giggle session, a mixed doubles exhibition at Rod Laver Arena just for fun and charity in front of fans a few days ahead of the Australian Open , so Coco Gauff was calling out how fast she would try to hit some serves.

Those were just the second and third wins for Gauff over the Pole, who had previously won 11 of their 12 meetings. Many have questioned if Swiatek was playing with the same level

The Australian Open is looming, and the 2025 tennis season has already erupted with a palpable sense of anticipation. The post Coco Gauff Keeps Rivalry With Iga Swiatek’s Aside as She Defends Her Amidst the Doping Saga Ahead of the Australian Open appeared first on EssentiallySports.