In a powerful interview with Time magazine after being named to the Time100 list of most influential people, Serena Williams opened up about what she believes are clear double standards in the way doping cases are handled in professional tennis—particularly when it comes to gender and race.
Williams made the comment while addressing the recent three-month doping suspension of men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in 2024.
“I love the guy, love this game. He’s great for the sport,” Williams told Time. “But if I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have had Grand Slams taken away from me.”
The Jannik Sinner Case: A Slap on the Wrist?
Sinner accepted a three-month ban earlier this year after an investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) challenged an initial tribunal that had cleared him. The Italian star blamed the positive result on a massage he received from a trainer who used clostebol to treat a cut on his finger—claiming it was unintentional exposure.
The relatively light punishment has raised eyebrows, particularly when compared to past sanctions levied on other top players.
Serena’s History with Anti-Doping Scrutiny
Serena Williams, who never failed a drug test in her career, says she was always cautious about what she put into her body, fearing any accidental contamination.
“I took everything seriously—what I ate, what I drank. A scandal like that? You would have heard about it in another multiverse,” she said.
She also recalled how she was subjected to intensive drug testing, even in moments that felt excessive. In 2011, a drug tester showed up at her house unannounced, and Serena called 911, thinking it was a home intruder. That was just one of many uncomfortable experiences she says she endured.
Comparisons with Other Doping Cases
Williams is not the first to raise concerns about unequal treatment in tennis:
- Maria Sharapova was suspended for 15 months in 2016 after testing positive for meldonium, a drug she claimed she used for medical reasons.
- Simona Halep, a former world No. 1, was banned for four years, later reduced to nine months, after testing positive for roxadustat.
- Iga Świątek, current women’s world No. 2, served a one-month ban in 2024 after testing positive for trimetazidine from a contaminated supplement. She was cleared of significant fault.
Each case has its nuances, but the inconsistencies in punishment lengths and the perception of leniency for certain players—particularly men—are what Serena is calling out.
Is Serena Right?
Many in the tennis world believe she has a point.
Historically, Black athletes—especially Black women—have faced harsher public criticism, greater suspicion, and stricter oversight. Serena’s own career was filled with moments that reflected this imbalance.
Consider these facts:
- Serena underwent more out-of-competition drug tests than many of her peers, according to a 2018 Deadspin report.
- The tone of coverage in past controversies has also often been harsher toward Serena, framing her as “intimidating” or “aggressive”—while similar behaviors in male players were seen as “passionate” or “competitive.”
- No top male player has ever faced a doping suspension longer than two years, while several female players have had their careers nearly derailed due to lengthy bans.
The contrast in Sinner’s light ban, combined with his continued celebration as a fan favorite and role model, is part of what Williams sees as a troubling double standard.
Still Missing the Game
Despite her concerns, Serena says she still misses playing tennis.
“I miss it a lot, with all my heart. I miss it because I’m healthy. If I couldn’t walk, or if I was so out of it, I wouldn’t miss it as much,” she said.
Now 43, Serena has turned her focus to business, family, and advocacy—but she hasn’t stopped using her voice.
Conclusion: A Call for Consistency
Serena’s comments are more than just a critique—they’re a call for transparency, fairness, and accountability in tennis governance. Whether you agree with her or not, her perspective invites a larger conversation about how race, gender, and fame influence the way athletes are judged—on and off the court.
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