23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams has declared that she isn’t concerned about how many time she undergoes anti-doping tests as long as they are consistent with other players.
Last week a Deadspin article revealed that Williams, who is currently ranked 183rd in the world, has been tested five times already this year by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USDA). A sixth was set to occur on June 14th when an officer turned up for an unannounced visit. A confrontation erupted when Williams was not home at that time and the officer refused to leave initially. The official eventually left without a sample and Williams contacted the head of the WTA , Steve Simon, to express concerns over unfair targeting. Simon was heard talking about the situation at San Francisco airport by a member of the public, who tipped off Deadspin.
“Over her 23-year career in tennis, Serena Williams has never tested positive for any illegal substance despite being tested significantly more than other professional tennis players, both male and female – in fact, four times more frequently than her peers. She has vocally supported, respected and complied with USADA testing throughout her entire career. While she willingly continues to submit to testing, there is absolutely no reason for this kind of invasive and targeted treatment.” A spokesperson for Williams said last week.
Williams broke her silence about the issue on Sunday during her pre-Wimbledon press conference. Calling the findings by Deadspin ‘interesting’ as she questioned why she has been tested so much compared to her peers. Williams was tested more times than the top five ranked American men on the ATP Tour.
“I actually thought the article was interesting, to be honest, because I never knew that I was tested so much more than everyone else.” Said Williams.
“When I saw it, I actually learned from it. I thought, Wow. I literally didn’t know that.
“Until I read that article, I didn’t realize it was such a discrepancy with me as well as against the other players that they listed, at least with the American players, both male and female.”
Yesterday at The All-England Club Johanna Konta called for improvements in anti-doping controls. Calling the tests players undergo ‘invasive.’ Earlier this year Konta missed a test due to a misunderstanding concerning her whereabouts. In contrast, Williams made no comment about the process samples are obtained. Although she believes more transparency is needed.
“I despise having people in our sport that aren’t being honest. I’m totally okay with testing and I encourage it. I’m okay for it. What I want to know is everyone is getting tested, that we are really working to keep this sport clean.” She said.
The Federer compliment
With 72 WTA titles to her name, which is the fifth highest in the Open Era, Williams has established herself as one of the best of all time. Last month Roger Federer praised the American during an interview with The Wall Street journal. Describing Williams as ‘one of the greatest, if not the greatest tennis player of all time.’
“I was surprised. I feel the same way about him.” Williams said of Federer’s comments. “I think he’s clearly the greatest player. If you go by numbers, it’s men’s and women’s, it’s different. But I always try to get rid of those, the stigma of men and Women.
“I just feel like he’s such a great player and also an incredible, humble human being, which obviously shows. It continues to show throughout the years.”
On Monday the former champion will play at Wimbledon for the first time since winning the title in 2016. She missed last year due to pregnancy. Despite her current ranking, Williams will be seeded 25th in the draw. She was able to be seeded due to a special regulation in the Wimbledon rule book.
Williams will play Arantxa Rus in the first round on Monday on Court One.
