Tennis legend Serena Williams has revealed that if she had failed a drug test similar to that of current men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, she would have been handed a 20-year ban and stripped of her Grand Slam titles. In an interview with Time Magazine, Williams expressed admiration for Sinner’s personality and game but highlighted what she perceives as a double standard in doping sanctions within professional tennis.
Sinner, who tested positive twice for the anabolic steroid clostebol in March 2024, accepted a three-month suspension earlier this year following a controversial settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). He maintained that the banned substance entered his system unintentionally through a massage administered by his physiotherapist, who had treated a cut on his finger with an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol.
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, said she has faced significant scrutiny and criticism throughout her career and would not have been afforded the same leniency. “If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have had Grand Slams taken away from me,” she stated. She also joked that a doping scandal during her playing days would have landed her “in jail” and remarked on the extra care she took with medications to avoid any risk of inadvertent doping.
The case of Sinner has sparked debate about fairness and consistency in tennis doping regulations. Other players, including Novak Djokovic and former world No. 1 Simona Halep, have voiced concerns about perceived preferential treatment. Halep was initially banned for four years for a doping violation but had her suspension reduced to nine months on appeal. Similarly, women’s world No. 2 Iga Swiatek accepted a one-month suspension last year for testing positive for a banned heart medication.
Sinner is expected to return to competitive play at the Italian Open in May 2025, having served his suspension. Williams expressed hope that Sinner’s presence is good for men’s tennis, underscoring her respect for him despite the controversy.
Her candid comments highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining equitable anti-doping enforcement across genders and player profiles in professional tennis.
