Serena Williams has weighed in on the decision to suspend Jannik Sinner for doping.
Shortly after winning his third Grand Slam and successfully defending the Australian Open, the Italian was barred from playing for three months.
This is due to the World number one’s two positive tests for banned substance clostebol during the 2024 season.
With less than three weeks remaining until Sinner makes his return at the Italian Open, Williams shares her thoughts on the reigning champion at Melbourne Park and the US Open.
What did Serena Williams say about Jannik Sinner and his suspension?
The news of Sinner’s positive doping tests and subsequent suspension sent shockwaves around the tennis world.
The 23-year-old’s ban commenced in February and it will end on May 4, and he will still be the ATP Tour’s top-ranked player when he returns to action.
Sinner’s suspension has been one of the biggest talking points in tennis this year, and now one of the sport’s greatest ever players in Serena Williams, has had her say on the matter.
“Fantastic personality. I love the guy, I love his game,” the American said to TIME Magazine about the three-time Grand Slam champion.
“He’s great for the sport. I’ve been put down so much, I don’t want to bring anyone down. Tennis needs him.
“If I did that (failed the tests), I would have gotten 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me.”
Serena Williams compares to Maria Sharapova’s doping ban to Jannik Sinner’s
While sharing her thoughts on Sinner’s doping ban, Williams mentioned her former rival turned friend Maria Sharapova.
The Russian had been taking meldonium for a month after it had been banned, and she was handed a two-year suspension.
It was later reduced to 15 months after a court ruled that she did not intend to intentionally dope or violate the rules.
This was a very similar case to Sinner’s yet Sharapova was handed a far longer ban, which Williams alluded to.
“Just weirdly and oddly, I can’t help but think about Maria (Sharapova) all this time,” she said. “I can’t help but feel for her.”
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