Tennis legend Serena Williams has spoken out about the doping case involving current world number one Jannik Sinner, suggesting she would have faced far more severe consequences had she been in his position.
Sinner, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion, is currently serving a three-month suspension after testing positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in 2024. His suspension is set to expire on May 4, 2025, allowing him to return to the ATP Tour.
WADA Concludes No Intent to Cheat by Sinner
This explains the difference between Sinner being just fortunate enough to pass through the pro-peace15 post and fail the double test. After all, the 23-year-old Italian claimed that the banned substance had been introduced into his blood through a massage by a team member.
On Tuesday, WADA confirmed this with the rather self-explanatory "negligence of members of his entourage."
Serena Williams Doubts Double Standards
While the 23-year-old Italian keeps his No 1 place in the world as well as Grand Slam titles in the brief period of suspension, Serena Williams, who has won twenty-three Grand Slam titles, said that she would probably not be treated in the same manner as Sinner in similar circumstances.
In an interview with Time Magazine, the 42-year-old American icon didn’t hold back in expressing her concerns about what she views as a disparity in how doping violations are handled.
“Fantastic personality. I love the guy, I love this game. He’s great for the sport,” Williams said, making it clear she respects Sinner as a player.
“I’ve been put down so much, I don’t want to bring anyone down. Men’s tennis needs him.
If I did that (tested positive for doping), I would have gotten 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have gotten grand slams taken away from me.”
A Career Marked by Scrutiny
Having endured a professional career of 27 years under immense scrutiny about her physical attributes and symptoms of dominance, Williams has often hinted at being unfairly treated in her career. The latest remarks have rekindled discussions of racial and gender inequities in professional sports, especially concerning how infamous athletes receive their punishments.
Williams' remarks come as a reminder, just in case Sinner is returning to the courts sometime in May, that Williams, in her lifetime and even in her retirement, has been an advocate of fair play and accountability in tennis.