Tennis had a doping problem in 2024. The soon-to-be ATP No. 1 failed two drug tests at Indian Wells in March. While he was initially found not guilty of any wrongdoing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, that would later change. Former WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek also failed a drug test and was suspended for a month.
This was an ugly look for the sport. Plus, Swiatek being suspended and Sinner initially not made things even worse.
Serena Williams, arguably the greatest tennis player ever, women's or men's, doubled down on the potential double standard of Sinner's lack of initial punishment. The Italian was suspended only after the World Anti-Doping Agency filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and Sinner then worked out a deal to make sure his suspension wasn't long.
Serena Williams feels she would have received a harsher punishment than Jannik Sinner
It also came at a perfect time during the year for him. Not playing from February to early May meant he would not miss any Grand Slam events. His No. 1 ranking is also nearly guaranteed to remain intact when he returns on May 4.
Had Williams failed drug tests while she was playing, she believes she would have faced a far harsher ban. Speaking with Time magazine, the all-time great said Sinner was a good guy and good for tennis, but that those in charge of making decisions on punishments for the sport might have viewed her differently.
She said, "(Sinner is) 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 (had failed drug tests), I would have gotten 20 years. Let's be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me."
She is likely not wrong. Sinner and Swiatek both failing drug tests so close to each other might have had an adverse effect. There is a possibility that it has normalized, or at least desensitized, the fact that a top-ranked player could be forced to leave the sport for a bit. The credibility of tennis was certainly questioned, and remains so because of the relatively short suspensions.
Williams also achieved great success while playing with a proverbial chip on her shoulder. She might have ruffled enough feathers among leadership positions within tennis that they might have wanted to see her receive some harsh punishment.
Post-career, though, Williams is a well-respected businessperson. She was being interviewed by Time because she is listed among this year's 100 most influential people. She has earned it.