Serena Williams Asserts She’d Have Faced Harsher Penalty Than Sinner for Doping Violation

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.

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