Tennis superstar Serena Williams has claimed she would have received a 20-year ban if she failed a drugs test like world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Sinner is set to return from his three-month ban at the Italian Open next month.
He twice tested positive for clostebol in March 2024.
Sinner told doping authorities that clostebol entered his system via a massage, after his physio treated a cut on his own finger with an over-the-counter spray containing the anabolic steroid.
He was initially not given any ban by the Tennis Integrity Agency, but WADA appealed that decision and later reached a controversial settlement with Sinner in February.
In an interview with Time Magazine, Serena said of Sinner: “Fantastic personality. I love the guy, I love his game. He’s great for the sport.
I’ve been put down so much, I don’t want to bring anyone down. Men’s tennis needs him.
If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have had Grand Slams taken away from me.”