Tennis legend Serena Williams has claimed that she would have faced a 20-year ban if she had tested positive for drugs in the same manner as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Sinner is set to return to competition at the Italian Open next month after serving a three-month suspension. The 22-year-old tested positive for clostebol twice in March 2024. He explained that the steroid entered his system through a massage, after his physio used an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on his own finger.
Initially, the Tennis Integrity Agency did not impose a ban on Sinner, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision, leading to a controversial settlement in February.
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In an interview with Time Magazine, Serena Williams spoke about Sinner, praising him as a great personality and a valuable asset to men’s tennis. She also reflected on her own experiences with the sport’s scrutiny, saying:
“Fantastic personality. I love the guy, I love his game. He’s great for the sport. I’ve been put down so much, I don’t want to bring anyone down. Men’s tennis needs him.
If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have had Grand Slams taken away from me.”