Serena Williams expressed her views on the disparity in consequences between male and female athletes regarding failed drug tests, citing men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s three-month suspension compared to the potential 20-year ban she believes she would have faced in a similar situation. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, praised Sinner for his contribution to the sport but highlighted the double standards she perceives in tennis. Sinner, who tested positive for a banned substance, maintained his innocence, attributing it to inadvertent ingestion during a massage. Despite accepting the suspension, he is set to return to the Italian Open in May.

Williams emphasized her commitment to avoiding any inadvertent doping violations, humorously remarking that a performance-enhancing drug scandal would have landed her in jail. The tennis legend, who retired in 2022, expressed her longing for the sport, citing her good health as a driving factor. The article captures Williams’ candid reflections on her love for tennis and the challenges faced by athletes in navigating doping regulations and gender equality in sports. Sinner’s case serves as a backdrop to the broader conversation around doping in tennis and the differing repercussions faced by male and female players. As both athletes prepare for their respective paths in the tennis world, Williams’ comments shed light on the complexities and inequalities present in the sport.