Serena Williams has said she is a victim of “discrimination” as she is the most drug tested American tennis player.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion made the claim in a series of tweets on Tuesday, after doping officials visited her.
Serena had previously expressed frustration about the volume of her tests earlier this month. “Out of all the players it’s been proven I’m the one getting tested the most. Discrimination? I think so,” she said.
…and it’s that time of the day to get “randomly” drug tested and only test Serena. Out of all the players it’s been proven I’m the one getting tested the most. Discrimination? I think so. At least I’ll be keeping the sport clean #StayPositive
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 25, 2018
But I’m ready to do whatever it takes to have a clean sport so bring it on. I’m excited.
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 25, 2018
An article published by website Deadspin in June revealed that Williams had been tested out of competition by the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) on five occasions in 2018. It also claimed the player was not present when Usada officials visited her home on 14 June – Williams stated that the tester showed up 12 hours earlier than the agreed time.
It was eventually marked as a “missed test” and three of those would result in a Usada doping violation. At the time of publication of the Deadspin article, Williams had been tested more than twice as many times as other top American players male or female including US Open champion Sloane Stephens (one) and sister and multiple Grand Slam winner Venus Williams (two).
