Tennis watchdog adds ‘creepy’ new shower rule for players

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Tennis followers are calling foul after a watchdog organization announced a new rule involving post-match showers that some have called “creepy.”

In a bid to catch users of performance-enhancing drugs, chaperones will watch players shower if a urine sample hasn’t been provided.

The International Tennis Integrity Unit (ITIA) reportedly informed players of a new rule last week which will see drug tests conducted immediately after matches. However, it’s an update regarding post-match showers that has gone viral.

“The ITIA and ITF have been working tirelessly to ensure that post-match showers can constitute an allowable delay for doping controls, especially when the absence of a shower can have a detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of a player,” the ITIA statement read.

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“However, taking a shower is not a right. For this reason, the ITIA kindly requests players to shower while remaining in clear view of the chaperone observing them at all times.

“If a player feels uncomfortable being watched during their shower, we suggest considering whether it is necessary to shower before providing the doping control sample.”

Jon Wertheim, a journalist for Sports Illustrated, posted the release with the caption: “This is … extraordinary.”

Other fans called out the ITIA for the statement for social media, saying the policy is “creepy,” among other comments.

“Chaperone in full view while the players are showering??? This is creepy, given how some players, males and females, are in their teens. Ew,” one fan posted on X.

“Next from ITIA: What if we put a hidden camera in the bathroom,” another user commented.

“This is unacceptable,” a third added.

Rennae Stubbs, a four-time Olympian and former World No. 1 doubles player, said the statement was just poorly worded and that drug testing officials always have been present once players leave the court.

“We always have had to shower with the door open,” Stubbs wrote on X.

“The drug testing people were with us every minute from the moment we walked off the court including watching us shower. I don’t know why they’re putting this out now.”