Tuesday, June 30Tuesday, June 30
4 days · 2 summary articles
Serena Williams criticises anti-doping system as Wimbledon 2026 preparations begin
Serena Williams to make Wimbledon singles comeback as Jannik Sinner defends title
Serena Williams has described tennis’s anti-doping system as “grueling” and “unprofessional,” saying she “hates it” as she prepares to play Wimbledon 2026 at the age of 44. The seven-time champion, who returned to competition this month after a four-year retirement, told reporters on Sunday that the rules nearly prevented her comeback.
Williams, who gave birth to two children since her last Wimbledon in 2022, said the requirement to declare her location to doping officials for 18 months out of every 24 had delayed her return. “It’s unreasonable,” she said. “I hate it. It’s unprofessional.”
Her comments came as the All England Club confirmed her place in the main draw, making her the oldest woman to compete at Wimbledon since 1990. Williams, who last played the tournament in 2022, will begin her campaign on Centre Court on Monday afternoon against a qualifier yet to be named.
The anti-doping controversy overshadows an otherwise buoyant build-up to the 2026 Championships. Defending champions Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner are both in the men’s draw, while British hopes rest on two-time major finalist Emma Raducanu. However, Raducanu withdrew on Sunday night with a stress fracture in her leg, dashing local hopes of a homecoming run.
Williams, who has won Wimbledon seven times, insisted she would not be deterred by the testing regime. “If they invite me, how can I say no?” she told Spanish newspaper *La Vanguardia*. “I’m a competitor. I love the game.”
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) requires players to provide 60 minutes of availability every day for 18 months in any 24-month period. Williams, who returned to competition in June 2026, said the system had forced her to curtail training and family time. “It’s not just about the sport,” she said. “It’s about life.”
Wimbledon begins on Monday with Sinner opening play on Centre Court against Miomir Kecmanović, while British number one Cameron Norrie faces qualifier Nicolas Moreno de Alboran. The women’s draw is headlined by Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff, with Williams seeded 32nd.
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4 further sources not geolocated
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🎾 Serena Williams has slammed the drug test rules that force tennis stars to declare their location to doping officials, claiming the "unprofessional" system stopped her coming out of retirement sooner. ➡️ u.afp.com/SKoD
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