Jack Draper Reveals 'Intimate' Details Of 'Difficult' Doping Tests
NewsWednesday, 28 May 2025 at 13:00
Jack Draper revealed how bizarre and intimate doping testing can sometimes get after being asked the question following his first-round win at the 2025 Roland Garros.
Since the high-profile doping cases of two World No. 1 players became public last year, it seems that the interest in doping testing has grown massively, as players now regularly face questions about their experience when it comes to this part of their job.
Jessica Pegula once famously had to drink beer after her match at the US Open to be able to provide a sample after her match. Before this year's Roland Garros, Naomi Osaka spoke about the challenges of doping testing, as she doesn't really like when her blood has to be taken.
Jack Draper, who was asked about the doping testing, spoke about the other kind of sample that athletes have to provide, the urine sample. That is the most common type of sample provided, especially during tournaments.
After their matches, players are often asked to provide a sample, and because of obvious reasons, they have to be watched by a person from the anti-doping agency responsible for taking the sample. That is so the players can't manipulate the sample.
However, like every human being, tennis players also can't provide a urine sample whenever they are asked. That's why Draper was asked how he deals with such situations, since Tallon Griekspoor recently told a story of how he wasn't able to provide the sample for three hours, and he ended up sitting on a couch, watching TV with the person from the anti-doping agency.
Draper shared his own experience, saying that since athletes sometimes push very hard to be able to provide the sample, they sometimes end up doing something they didn't want to do, which might create some bizarre situations.
"It’s obviously a difficult moment, right? You kind of, sometimes, you push so hard that you’re farting and you’re right next to them. So it’s a tough job for them as well. I always keep that in mind, like, some people get annoyed and stuff because it is a very intimate situation."
"But at the end of the day, I feel for that person as well, it’s their job. But it is sometimes difficult as well. If it’s really late and stuff and you want to get cracking on with whatever you’re doing next, and you’ve gotta wait around and do that for a long time."
"It’s difficult because you’re losing sleep. But I also think it’s a tough job for them as well. It’s not easy. Some awkward moments for sure though."
Draper will hope to avoid any distractions by doping testing during the French Open this year. He won his opening match, beating Mattia Bellucci, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2, and in the second round, the British player will take on home crowd favorite Gael Monfils.
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