Emma Raducanu refused to use an antiseptic spray after an allergic reaction to insect bites for fear of anti-doping.
The former US Open champion said her hand and ankle swelled in Melbourne but refused treatment in case the contamination led to a positive doping test.
It comes after five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek failed a doping test in August and served a one-month ban after it was accepted that medication she was taking to combat jet lag was contaminated, while men's No. 1 Jannik Sinner tested positive for two times on an anabolic steroid in March as a result of the trainer's massage.
Raducanu, 22, told reporters at a pre-tournament press conference on Friday: “We're all probably pretty sensitive about what we take into account, what we use.
“Yesterday, for example, I was bitten by I don't know what, ants, mosquitoes, something. I guess I'm allergic.
“They flared up and swelled really big.”
She added: “Someone gave me this antiseptic spray, natural, to try to soothe the bites.
“I didn't want to take it. I didn't want to spray it. I just stayed there with a swollen wrist and hand.
“I'm just going to get away with it because I don't want to take any chances. It is obvious that we are concerned. We are all in the same boat.
“I think it's just the way we manage, as best we can, the controlled. If something happens that's out of our control, then it's going to be a bit of a struggle to prove it.”
'I am a dangerous opponent for anyone'
Radučanu's confidence has been boosted by good performances in training this week
Raducanu pulled out of her scheduled warm-up tournament in Auckland last week due to what she described as a back problem, but has been training at Melbourne Park this week.
He revealed to Radučan that the source of the problem was a cramp he got during training in London.
“I feel good,” she said. “I think the last 10 days I had a positive training block. Returning to the field, adapting to the conditions here is good for me. Now I feel good and ready to give my best here.
“One morning I warmed up, I bent down to tie my shoelaces and I had a cramp. That was it. It took me a while to clear. I've had them before. They usually subside within a few days. But this one was nibbling a few weeks, I had to miss a lot of training before I left, I couldn't play in Auckland.
It was another physical setback for Raducanu, who played just 10 matches after Wimbledon last year, missing two months with a foot injury before recovering in time to play for Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup in November.
She has won all three of her matches there and her confidence has been boosted by good performances in practice this week.
“I played sets with top players,” she said. “I feel like I'm holding up more than well in those cases and in practice. I feel pretty good about my game. I'm looking forward to putting it on the court. I think I can be a dangerous opponent for anybody really.”
Radučana hired fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura (front center) in a key statement of intent
Raducano she received a tough draw against 26th seed Ekaterina Aleksandrovafor whom she was due to play at Wimbledon last summer before the 30-year-old retired.
“Of course, it's a tough draw,” Raducanu said of Tuesday's contest. “Because you're not seeded, you can play any top opponent. She's a player with a lot of experience. I guess I come in with an underdog mentality. She's been in this situation a lot more times than I have.”
A new member of Raducanu's team this season is renowned fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, and the former US Open champion hopes to help her improve her physical endurance and reach her potential.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Laura Robson and Tim Henman discuss the impact Raducanu's new fitness coach will have and how it can improve her fitness
She doesn't expect overnight results, saying, “I think bodybuilding is a continuous process. I don't think it's something you necessarily have to put a time frame on.
“Like, 'okay, in a year I'll be a top athlete.' Even when you're a top athlete, there's always things you can do better. But I think I can already feel the difference when I step on the court.
“I feel like I'm pretty reactive and explosive. I think that comes from my warm-up not necessarily being a warm-up, but more like a session. I just feel ready to go when I'm on the court.
“As for how long it will take, I'm not sure. I trust his work and I trust his judgment.”
Boulter: That number is after my name for a reason
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the epic United Cup clash between Katie Boulter and Iga Swiatek
Britain's top female is Katie Boulter, who is seeded 22nd and is looking to continue her upward momentum.
Boulter is now aiming for the top 10, and she showed just how much of a threat she can pose to the leading players by pushing world number two Iga Swiatek to the limit at the United Cup last week.
“Iga is one of the best in the game,” Boulter said. “I really felt like I could have crossed that line. I felt that I was quite calm in that situation as well, which I didn't always feel when playing massive players.
“I think that kind of mindset will help me win those matches. I really believe I can do it.
“I believe that number is in my name for a reason. I want to move it higher and higher.”
Boulter, who is guaranteed domestic support following her engagement to Australian No. 1 Alex De Minaur, begins her campaign against Canada's Rebecca Marino on Tuesday.
What's coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
- ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam (ATP 500) – February 3-9
- Dallas Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
- Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Open 13 Provence (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – February 3-9
- Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – February 3-8
- Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – 9.-15. February
- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) – February 16-22
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream from NOW and The Sky Sports appgiving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Learn more here.