Lithuanian Tennis Player Emilija Tverijonaite Voluntarily Suspends Herself Amid Doping Probe
- Lithuanian tennis player Emilija Tverijonaite self-reported to the International Tennis Integrity Agency after a banned substance was detected in her sample
- The 21-year-old tested positive for canrenone, a diuretic and masking agent, following a World Tennis event in Hungary in July 2026
- An ITIA investigation is now underway to determine the source of the substance and the extent of any future sanction
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Lithuanian tennis player Emilija Tverijonaite, 21, has entered a voluntary provisional suspension under tennis' anti-doping rules after reporting herself to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Source: Getty Images
The ITIA confirmed that Tverijonaite provided an in-competition sample during a World Tennis event in Mogyorod, Hungary, on 2 July 2026. On 29 July 2026, a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory identified the presence of canrenone in her sample.
What is Canrenone and why is it banned?
Canrenone is classified as a diuretic and masking agent under the WADA Prohibited List and is banned at all times under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. Because of the nature of the substance, a mandatory provisional suspension is not required under the applicable rules.
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Despite this, Tverijonaite chose to suspend herself voluntarily on 19 October 2026. In a statement, the ITIA noted that voluntary provisional suspensions are available to any player under investigation in anti-doping cases, and that time served under such a suspension will be credited against any future sanction that may be imposed.
Investigation Underway as Career Hangs in Balance
The ITIA has launched a formal investigation to determine the source of the positive finding. Tverijonaite, who reached a career-high singles ranking of 1067 in March 2023, will be barred from playing in, coaching at, or attending any events organised or sanctioned by World Tennis, the WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association while the suspension is in place.
The ITIA confirmed it is offering support to Tverijonaite, including pro bono legal assistance, independent wellbeing support, and financial aid to help establish how the substance entered her system.
The player had competed in only three tournaments in 2026. Her most recent match came in the qualifying round of the W50 tournament in Corroios-Seixal, Portugal, where she lost 6-2, 6-3 to French player Chloe Noel.
No timeline has been confirmed for the conclusion of the investigation or her potential return to competitive tennis.
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Source: Briefly News
