Serena Williams called out the Tennis Anti-Doping rules ahead of her Wimbledon return. The tennis star, who returned to the testing pool, shared her experience of complying with the rules.
Serena Williams says tennis anti-doping rules are “unreasonable” and “grueling” ahead of her Wimbledon comeback
Williams, 44, who announced her return to Wimbledon, slammed the tennis anti-doping rules after her experience. According to ESPN, she said, “It’s grueling. They changed the rules now. I didn’t know some of the rules. So, apparently, if you miss a test outside of your window, it still counts as missed. I’m like, I guess I can’t go pick up my kids.”
Anti-doping tests have been in the spotlight since Marketa Vondrousova was suspended for four years after she refused her test. The players are supposed to provide their whereabouts for no-notice testing with the International Tennis Integrity Agency.
Under the anti-doping program, players are required to provide a 60-minute daily slot. Repeated failure in filing tests or missed tests can lead to a violation of these rules.
Williams, who is set to make a comeback after her last appearance in 2022 in the grass-court Grand Slam, will face Maya Joint. She called the rules unreasonable, explaining this was one of the reasons she didn’t want to come back.
Seven-time Wimbledon champion said, “That was a big reason why I didn’t want to come back either, because it’s just so hard. I mean, my life is busy. I run a company, a VC company, and travel the world, have children. It’s like I could be in so many different cities, so many different times.”
Williams’ comments on the anti-doping system have sparked debate on balancing clean sport with demands placed on the athletes.
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