‘Lay Down the Sword’ – Concerning Details From Markéta Vondroušová Case Result in Strong Opinion From Roddick

Markéta Vondroušová is on a four-year ban for refusing an out-of-competition doping test. When the 2023 Wimbledon champion explained that it was an ‘Acute Stress Reaction’ to an unidentified, late-night visitor at her home in December 2025, many in the tennis world were willing to believe her. However, as the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) released its full investigative report, complete with private text messages from the night of the incident, the narrative shifted dramatically.

Even former World No. 1 Andy Roddick, who initially defended her, has now retracted his support. Speaking on his podcast, the American tennis legend admitted that the newly released details completely changed his stance.

Andy Roddick “Lays Down the Sword” on Markéta Vondroušová After Concerning New Details Emerge

The incident took place during an unannounced out-of-competition test. Vondroušová said that she reached a “breaking point” due to severe mental health struggles and anxiety. She told the public that she refused to open her door because the doping control officer (DCO) arrived at night and failed to properly identify themselves, making her feel unsafe.

At the time, Roddick defended the Czech, stating he wouldn’t advise his own daughter to open the door to an unidentified stranger at night, or if it’s not during the time that she had given. But excerpts from the official document of the tribunal’s full decision were quite different.

They found that at 8:05 p.m., Vondroušová sent a text message to her boyfriend, fellow Czech professional tennis player Andrew Paulson. The message, translated into English, directly identified the visitor: “So like here is ringing some (expletive) from the doping.”

Also, according to the findings, Vondroušová eventually came outside with her dog, where the officer handed her a refusal form. While the former World No. 6 argued she felt pressured to sign the form just to make the officer leave without fully understanding its consequences, she did recognize the official and voluntarily walked outside to engage with her.

“So I need to lay down the sword here. When this first came out, and I heard the circumstances around it, I had some sympathy for it, right? The way that Vondrousova came out and said it happened,” Roddick explained on the latest episode of his podcast “Served.” “Now, since then, as there have been more confirmations of more things and text messages, it seems like none of that stuff was actually the way it played out.”

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Roddick acknowledges that anxiety can be complex, but he also believes the conditions in her story cannot be ignored, and he gave credit to the ITIA for their investigation.

While suspended, the Czech will not be allowed to play in, coach at, or attend any events organized or sanctioned by the ITF, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association. However, Vondroušová and her legal team can still appeal this ruling.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.