Tennis stars at risk of 'extremely serious' punishments for showering too long

Tennis stars have been warned they could be punished for taking a long shower or not remaining "in full view" of a chaperone while in the bathroom. It comes amid a revised approach to the sport's anti-doping programme. The sport has been plagued by a couple of high-profile doping cases in recent months, with both Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek having been caught up in scandals of their own.

The two, who have both held the world No.1 spot in their respective world rankings, tested positive for banned substances last year. While there were criticisms over the punishments administered to Sinner and Swiatek, the authorities are keen to clean up the sport.

Sharing guidance on how players who are subject to doping tests are allowed to shower, the International Tennis Integrity Agency said: "The ITA and previously the ITF has worked hard to ensure that showers following matches can amount to a permissible delay to doping control, particularly when not showering could have a detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of a player.

"However, showering is not an entitlement, and it is for this reason that the ITIA kindly requests that when showering players adhere to the requirement to stay in full view of the chaperone observing them at all times. If a player is not comfortable being witnessed whilst showering, we would suggest that consideration is given to whether a shower is necessary before providing a doping control sample. Failure to remain in full view of the chaperone will be taken extremely seriously by the ITIA."

The way the authorities have handled such high-profile cases, in particular Sinner's, has sparked plenty of criticism, with ex-players claiming he's been given a more lenient punishment because of his status. In February, it was revealed the Italian , with critics, including Serena Williams, suggesting it would've been longer had it been them.

The former tennis star said: "I love the guy, love this game. He's great for the sport. I've been put down so much, I don't want to bring anyone down. Men's tennis needs him.

"[But] if I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let's be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me." Sinner's ban is set to run out just in time for him to come back for the French Open next month.