Serena Williams Criticizes Anti-Doping Double Standards

Posted : 17 April 2025

Serena Williams has expressed frustration over what she perceives as a double standard in anti-doping enforcement, claiming that if she had committed the same doping violation as men’s world number one Jannik Sinner, she would have been banned for 20 years and had some of her Grand Slam titles stripped away.

Sinner, 23, is currently serving a three-month ban after testing positive for clostebol, a banned substance, twice last year. Despite the ban, Williams suggests that the treatment of male and female athletes in these cases is unequal, referencing her own experience with drug testing, which she felt was excessive and discriminatory.

In 2018, Williams accused the system of targeting her with a high number of drug tests compared to her male counterparts. She was tested out of competition by the US Anti-Doping Agency five times by June of that year, more than any other top American male player.

Reflecting on Sinner’s case, she emphasized the stark contrast in potential consequences for herself if she had been in a similar situation, saying, “I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me.” Williams also humorously noted that a similar scandal in her career would have likely landed her in jail.

The controversy surrounding doping violations has not been limited to Sinner’s case. Other players, including former British number one Tim Henman and Australian Nick Kyrgios, have also questioned the fairness of how doping violations are handled in tennis.

There have been accusations of preferential treatment, with players suggesting that high-profile athletes are given more lenient penalties. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has disputed these claims, stating that their approach to managing such cases is consistent, regardless of a player's profile.

Williams also voiced sympathy for former rival Maria Sharapova, who received a 15-month ban in 2016 after testing positive for a substance she did not know had been added to the banned list. Williams said that she often thought about Sharapova's case and empathized with the Russian’s plight.

As for Sinner, he is expected to return to competition at the Italian Open in May, with hopes to compete in the French Open shortly thereafter, marking his comeback after his doping suspension.

Serena Williams Criticizes Anti-Doping Double Standards

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