In a recent interview with Time magazine, tennis legend Serena Williams expressed her dismay over the perceived leniency in the doping suspension of current men’s world No. 1, Jannik Sinner. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, stated that had she been in Sinner’s position, she would have faced a much harsher penalty, possibly a 20-year ban and the stripping of her titles.
Sinner, 23, tested positive twice in 2024 for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid. He attributed the positive results to inadvertent contamination from a spray used by his fitness trainer. Initially cleared by an independent tribunal, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision. Eventually, Sinner agreed to a three-month suspension, which is set to end on May 4, 2025. Despite the suspension, he retained his titles and ranking points.
Williams highlighted the disparity in treatment, suggesting that as a Black woman, she would not have received the same leniency. “If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years,” she remarked. “Let’s be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me.” She emphasized her strict adherence to anti-doping regulations throughout her career, noting that she was meticulous about the substances she consumed, often limiting herself to over-the-counter medications like Advil.
The tennis icon also reflected on the case of her former rival, Maria Sharapova, who received a two-year suspension in 2016 (later reduced to 15 months) after testing positive for meldonium, a substance that had been recently added to the banned list. Williams expressed sympathy for Sharapova, stating, “I can’t help but feel for her.”
Williams’ comments have reignited discussions about potential biases in the enforcement of anti-doping regulations within professional tennis. Her remarks underscore the need for consistent and equitable treatment of athletes, regardless of gender or race.
As Williams continues her post-tennis endeavors, including her venture capital firm Serena Ventures and her recent involvement with the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, she remains a vocal advocate for fairness and integrity in sports.
