By Seyi Babalola
Serena Williams claims she would have faced a 20-year suspension if she had failed a drug test like world number one Jannik Sinner.
Sinner is scheduled to return from his three-month ban at the Italian Open next month.
In March 2024, he tested positive twice for clostebol.
Sinner informed doping officials that clostebol entered his system through a massage after his physio treated a wound on his own finger with an over-the-counter anabolic steroid spray.
The Tennis Integrity Agency initially did not issue him a suspension, but WADA appealed and negotiated a contentious compromise with Sinner in February.
In an interview with Time Magazine, Serena said of Sinner: “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.”