Serena Williams accuses anti-doping authorities of 'discrimination' following series of 'random' drugs tests
'Discrimination? I think so.'
World tennis champion Serena Williams has once again hit out at the institution in which she is associated as she believes 'discrimination' is at play when it comes to a series of drug testing she alone has been put through.
The Wimbledon runner-up took to Twitter on Wednesday to take a stand against the authorities, which she believes are engaging in foul play, claiming that random drug testing is becoming a daily occurrence for her, something which her peers never seem to experience.
...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
"...and it’s that time of the day to get “randomly” drug tested and only test Serena," the tweet reads.
"Out of all the players it’s been proven I’m the one getting tested the most."
Following a complaint with regards to repeated testing, Williams appears to be claiming, with proof attached, that she is being singled out and tested at a far higher rate than her counterparts.
Ending the tweet, she states that she has nothing to hide.
"Discrimination? I think so. At least I’ll be keeping the sport clean #StayPositive."
In a second post, she confirms this take. Claiming that she is 'excited' to continue her path to athletic success.
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
Last month, rumours that an anti-doping agent occupied Serena Williams' property swirled, adding fuel to the fire that the tennis star was being unfairly treated.
According to reports, a doping control officer showed up to test Williams at 8.30 a.m, a time when she was not at home. An assistant let the officer into the home, who then refused to leave until Williams had been tested.
Williams addressed this issue at a press conference just before Wimbledon following the incident which saw the agent turn up unannounced at her home, outside of the 23-time grand slam champion’s allotted hour.
She said: “How is it I’m getting tested five times in June? It’s only June, I’ve been tested five times.
“Tennis has given me so much. It’s such an amazing sport. I feel like equality, that’s all I’ve been preaching. If that’s testing everyone five times, let’s do it.
"It’s just about being equal and not centring one person out. Just due to the numbers, it looks like I’m being pushed out.”
Williams is the most decorated player in tennis today.
According to Deadspin, she's also been tested for performance-enhancing drugs more than twice as often as other top American women players. Figures from the United States Anti-Doping Agency confirm this fact, stating that Williams has been tested more than any other tennis player so far in 2018.
Individual figures for athletes tested through the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme are published at the end of each year.
