Serena Williams has some strong words for the anti-doping authorities after Jannik Sinner’s recent drug test controversy.
The tennis legend said that if she had tested positive for the same substance as Sinner, she would’ve faced a 20-year ban. That’s a pretty bold statement, and she’s not wrong to call out the double standards in play.
Sinner, who is currently ranked World No. 1, tested positive for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid. But instead of facing a lengthy ban, he got off with just three months. Serena, in her interview with Time Magazine, said, “If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years… Let’s be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me.” She pointed out that her career was always under extra scrutiny, and a mistake like that would have cost her everything.
While Sinner argued the positive test came from a steroid cream his physio used on a cut, many people think the timing of the ban just doesn’t sit right. The suspension started after he won the Australian Open, meaning he’ll be eligible to play at the French Open, with barely any downtime in between. For many, it feels like the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
Serena isn’t the only one calling out this situation. Former pro Tim Henman also raised an eyebrow, pointing out how the ban’s timing worked out for Sinner’s schedule. He said, “To miss three months of the Tour and then be eligible for Roland Garros? The timing couldn’t have been better for him.”
It’s not just Sinner, either. Iga Swiatek, the women’s world No. 2, had a positive test for a banned substance last year but only faced a one-month suspension. These cases have tennis fans questioning whether the punishment is the same for everyone, no matter their gender or status.
Serena, who retired in 2022 after 23 Grand Slam titles, said she misses tennis “with all my heart.” But she’s made it clear she doesn’t miss the constant pressure and strict anti-doping rules that came with being at the top.
So, do you agree with Serena? Do you think Sinner got off too easy? Let us know your thoughts below.
