Serena Williams criticizes anti-doping rules ahead of Wimbledon return
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 3:52 PM
Last updated Jun 28, 2026
Serena Williams, preparing for her Wimbledon return after four years, expressed criticism of the anti-doping testing rules, labeling them 'gruelling' and 'unprofessional.' As she gears up to play her first singles match since the 2022 US Open against Maya Joint, Williams highlighted the challenges of daily testing protocols that complicate her life as a mother and businesswoman. The rules recently became stricter, causing her apprehension about returning to competitive tennis. The controversy follows a high-profile ban of former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova for refusing a test. The ITIA emphasized the importance of unpredictable testing to maintain sports integrity.
- •Williams criticizes anti-doping testing as unprofessional and gruelling.
- •She will compete against Maya Joint in her first match since 2022.
- •Stricter testing protocols emerged during her four-year hiatus from tennis.
- •Marketa Vondrousova received a four-year ban for refusing a doping test.
- •The ITIA stresses testing's role in ensuring clean sport.
- 3:52 PMYahoo Sports — Serena Williams criticises ‘unprofessional’ anti-doping rules before Wimbledon return: ‘I hate it’
"Williams, 44, said providing anti-doping officers with a daily one-hour testing window during her comeback was ‘gruelling’ while balancing having two children and a life outside tennis
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