In a powerful interview with time After being named to the magazine’s Time 100 list of the most influential people, Serena Williams revealed that she believes doping cases are a clear double standard in the way doping cases are handled in professional tennis, particularly when it comes to gender and race.
Williams commented while dealing with the recent three months of doping suspension of Janik Thinner, the world’s No. 1 boys’ world’s number one test positive for anabolic steroid crossteball, which was banned in 2024.
“I love that guy and I love this game. He’s great for sports,” Williams told Time. “But if I did that, it’s 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have taken the Grand Slam.”
Jannik Sinner incident: Slap on the wrist?
The sinner accepted the three-month ban earlier this year after an investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) challenged the first court that cleared him. The Italian star denounced positive results for the massage he received from a trainer who used Crosstebor to treat finger cuts.
The relatively mild punishment raised eyebrows, especially when compared to past sanctions imposed on other top players.
The history of Serena in anti-doping
Serena Williams, who has never failed a drug test in her career, says she was always cautious about what she put into her body, fearing accidental contamination.
“I took everything seriously. What I ate, what I drank. Such a scandal? You’ve heard about it in another multiverse,” she said.
She also recalled how she received it. Intensive drug testingEven when I felt excessively. In 2011, a drug tester appeared at her house without notice, and Serena called 911, thinking it was a home intruder. It was just one of many unpleasant experiences she said she endured.
Comparison with other doping cases
Williams wasn’t the first to raise concerns about unequal treatment in tennis.
- Maria Sharapova It was stopped for 15 months In 2016, a drug claimed to have been used for medical reasons after testing positive for meldonium.
- Simona Harepthe previous world No. 1 was banned 4 yearsthen reduced to 9 months after testing positive for Roxadustat.
- Igaświątekthe current world number 2 for women is One month ban 2024 after a positive test Trimethazidine From contaminated supplements. She escaped gross negligence.
Each case has its nuance, but the contradictions in the length of punishment and perceptions of generosity among certain players, especially men, are what Serena calls for.
Is Serena correct?
Much of the tennis world believes she has a point.
Historically, black athletes, especially black women, have faced it. More harsh public criticism, greater doubtand More strict surveillance. Serena’s own career was filled with moments that reflected this imbalance.
Consider these facts:
- Serena took it More out-of-competitive drug testing According to 2018, more than many of her peers Dead Spin Report.
- tone Of the past controversy coverage, she was often harsh against Serena, framing her as “intimidating” or “aggressive”, while similar behaviors by male players were considered “passionate” or “competitive.”
- The top male players have not faced doping suspension for more than two years, but several female players have derailed their careers with a long ban.
The contrast of the light ban on thinner, coupled with fan favorites and ongoing celebrations as role models, is part of what Williams considers a nasty double standard.
There are no games yet
Despite her concerns, Serena says she’s still missing out on playing tennis.
“I really miss it. I miss it because I’m healthy. If I couldn’t walk, or if I went outside that much, I wouldn’t miss it that much,” she said.
Now in 43 years, Serena has focused on business, family and advocacy, but she has not stopped using her voice.
Conclusion: Calling for consistency
Serena’s comments are more than just critiques. Transparency, fairness, and accountability With tennis governance. Whether you agree with her or not, her perspective will lead to greater conversations about how race, gender, and fame affect how athletes judge.
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