“I’m being pushed out,” Serena Williams and Roger Federer voiced utter frustration over doping test procedures advocating a need for change in 2018

Former World No. 1 Serena Williams is regarded as one of the most consistent and dominating stars as the face of women’s tennis. She has completely changed the epitome of the sport through her impressive contribution to the game throughout the years.

Despite these on-court laurels, some hardships did come her way, as she was charged with doping allegations several times throughout her career. Williams kept on fighting to prove herself as a true sportswoman. Way back in the year 2018, Williams shared her views on how she was always comfortable giving the test and that she was happy with the idea of keeping the sport clean.

Williams also shared the fact that some of the players might not be honest and that she encourages testing once in a while to promote equality in the sport. She said,

I despise having people in our sport that aren’t being honest. So I’m totally okay with testing and I encourage it. I want to know that everyone is getting tested and that we are really working to keep the sport clean. Equality, that’s the only thing I’ve been preaching, and that’s all I want. It’s just about being equal and not centering one person out-Just due to the numbers it looks like I’m being pushed out.

Serena Williams via The Guardian

Roger Federer also gave his take on the doping test

Way back in 2018, Roger Federer also talked about the continuous process of doping tests. He disclosed the fact that he got himself tested by a doctor who lived close to his house in Switzerland and that it was never a work too much to get the tests done. But the thing that Federer didn’t like much about was the fact that players had to fly to different places for just one single test.

Federer said,

I've been tested quite a bit, quite frequently out of competition. I mentioned many times in Dubai I've hardly ever been tested, which has been quite disappointing. To be honest, in the 15 years I've been there, it's been one test.

He also talked about the fact that Dubai is one of the places that doesn’t promote doping testing too much and felt that should change in the future. The fact that he had been playing in Dubai for the last 15 years and him being only forced a single test really baffled him.

In case you missed it:

• Iga Swiatek defeats Elena Rybakina in straight sets to lift 3rd consecutive title in Doha
• “That’s the tragedy of Djokovic,” Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s popular rivalry slapped Novak Djokovic with an “interloper” status as Chris Bowers explains

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW