Serena Williams discusses challenges of anti-doping protocols ahead of Wimbledon return
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 4:42 PM
Last updated Jun 28, 2026
Serena Williams prepares for her first competitive singles match in almost four years at Wimbledon, facing Maya Joint on Centre Court. She revealed that the demanding anti-doping protocols nearly discouraged her from returning to the sport. Despite only having two doubles matches since her comeback announcement, Williams feels ready as she navigates the complexities of the program while managing her life outside tennis. She aims to enjoy her time on the court without setting strict performance targets.
- •Serena Williams returns to competitive singles at Wimbledon on June 30.
- •She calls the anti-doping process 'gruelling' and challenging.
- •Williams has not played singles since the 2022 US Open.
- •She has only participated in two doubles matches since her return.
- •Williams aims to enjoy her time on the court without strict expectations.
- 5:17 PMYahoo Sports — How 'gruelling' doping protocols almost put Williams off comeback
- 5:17 PMBBC Sport — How 'gruelling' doping protocols almost put Williams off comeback
- 4:42 PMYahoo Sports — Serena recalls 'gruelling' process that almost stopped comeback
"Returning to Wimbledon has been like riding a bike for seven-time champion Serena Williams but she has revealed the “gruelling” anti-doping protocols almost put her off making a comeback. The 44-year-old will make her first competitive singles appearance in almost four years on Tuesday when she faces Australia’s Maya Joint on Centre Court.
"Serena Williams says the nature of the anti-doping testing process almost stopped her from making a shock comeback.
"Serena Williams says the nature of the anti-doping testing process almost stopped her from making a shock comeback.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 5:17 PMHow 'gruelling' doping protocols almost put Williams off comeback
Serena Williams says the nature of the anti-doping testing process almost stopped her from making a shock comeback.
- BBC SportJun 28, 2026, 5:17 PMHow 'gruelling' doping protocols almost put Williams off comeback
Serena Williams says the nature of the anti-doping testing process almost stopped her from making a shock comeback.
- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 4:42 PMSerena recalls 'gruelling' process that almost stopped comeback
Returning to Wimbledon has been like riding a bike for seven-time champion Serena Williams but she has revealed the “gruelling” anti-doping protocols almost put her off making a comeback. The 44-year-old will make her first competitive singles appearance in almost four years on Tuesday when she faces Australia’s Maya Joint on Centre Court.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
ATP•Sep 23, 2026, 3:31 PMIndian tennis player Somani suspended 4 years in doping case
ATP•Sep 23, 2026, 11:54 AMRafael Nadal invites first legend to play with him in ‘Rafael Nadal Academy Slam’
ATP•Sep 23, 2026, 10:31 AMJackson girls tennis team wraps up overall Federal League championship
ATP•Sep 23, 2026, 10:11 AMAndre Agassi offers warm words of comfort to Emma Raducanu amid injury lay-off
WTA•Sep 23, 2026, 9:00 AMIga Swiatek will play WTA tournament for the first time in her entire career next month
ATP•Sep 23, 2026, 7:00 AMCarlos Alcaraz states if he thinks Alexander Zverev is the best player in the world right now