Serena Williams Questions Fairness After Doping Bans for Sinner and Swiatek
Tennis legend Serena Williams has voiced her concerns following doping suspensions handed to Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Speaking in Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” issue, Williams questioned the fairness of the system, stating that she would have faced far harsher penalties had she been in their position. Novak Djokovic also weighed in, calling for a complete overhaul of tennis's
Serena Williams Questions Fairness After Doping Bans for Sinner and Swiatek
April 18, 2025 — Tennis icon Serena Williams has raised questions about fairness in tennis's anti-doping system following the suspensions of two top players: Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who retired nearly three years ago, made the comments as part of her profile in Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” issue published on April 17.
In the feature, Williams remarked that the treatment she would have received in a similar situation would likely have been much harsher.
“If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years,” Williams said. “Let’s be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me.”
Sinner, the current ATP No. 1 from Italy, tested positive for a banned steroid last year and received a three-month suspension. The ban is set to end on May 4, allowing him to return in time for the French Open. Meanwhile, Swiatek, the WTA’s world No. 2, served a one-month suspension back in November 2024.
Williams emphasized that she admires Sinner and has no intention of discrediting him, calling him “great for the sport.” However, she suggested that the system may be more forgiving toward certain players.
Novak Djokovic, a vocal critic of tennis governance, also expressed dissatisfaction with how doping cases are handled. Speaking earlier this year, Djokovic said that many players believe there is favoritism in anti-doping rulings.
“A majority of the players don’t feel that it’s fair,” he said. “It appears that you can almost affect the outcome if you are a top player, if you have access to the top lawyers and whatnot.”
Djokovic called for reform of the current system, stating that both recent cases demonstrate a lack of consistency and transparency.
“Right now, it’s a ripe time for us to really address the system because the structure obviously doesn’t work,” he said. “I hope the tours and governing bodies come together to find a more effective process.”
Jannik Sinner, who won the Australian Open in January for his third Grand Slam title, is expected to return to action at the Italian Open in Rome on May 7 — his first tournament back from suspension and a key tune-up ahead of Roland Garros.