Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories Serena Williams claims she would have been banned for 20 years had she failed a drugs test (Joe Toth/AELTC/PA). Serena Williams on Jannik Sinner doping case: I’d have been banned for 20 years Sinner is serving a three-month suspension that expires on May 4 after returning two positive tests last year. 9.06am, 17 Apr 2025 Share options SERENA WILLIAMS INSISTS she would have been stripped of grand slam titles and given a 20-year ban had she failed a drugs test in the manner of Jannik Sinner. Sinner is serving a three-month suspension that expires on 4 May after returning two positive tests for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol last year. Advertisement The 23-year-old from Italy, who remains world number one despite his absence, reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after claiming he had been inadvertently contaminated while being massaged by a member of his team. WADA accepted the current Australian Open and US Open champion “did not intend to cheat” and that the result was due to “negligence of members of his entourage”. Jannik Sinner is serving a three-month ban after testing positive for clostebol (Zac Goodwin/PA). Williams, who won 23 grand slam titles in a 27-year professional career, suggests he has been treated leniently. “Fantastic personality. I love the guy, I love this game. He’s great for the sport,” she told Time Magazine. “I’ve been put down so much, I don’t want to bring anyone down. Men’s tennis needs him. “If I did that (tested positive for doping), I would have gotten 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have gotten grand slams taken away from me.” Press Association Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Serena Williams on Jannik Sinner doping case: I’d have been banned for 20 years”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Serena Williams on Jannik Sinner doping case: I’d have been banned for 20 years”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... Jannik Sinner Serena Williams News in 60 seconds FreeOn the defence Rugby Australia hits out at French clubs poaching young talent 18 mins ago FreeEyes on the Prize Mikel Arteta targets Champions League glory after Arsenal knock out Real Madrid Heat scorch Bulls to advance, Mavericks upset Kings FreeInspiration I hope to see you soon – Ruben Amorim invites Rory McIlroy to Old Trafford FreeInterview Leinster's O'Brien 'in a really good spot' after injuries - and aiming for Ireland Freegolf country Why Ireland is the undisputed, pound-for-pound golfing champion Have your say Poll: Who will win the Leinster hurling championship? Pete Wilkins steps down as Connacht rugby head coach Leinster flex their muscles again with shock Ioane signing Murray Kinsella Dermot Desmond accuses some Shamrock Rovers members' directors of acting against best interest of the club Permanent Marcus Rashford deal at Villa ‘difficult to plan now’ – Unai Emery more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online Sign in or create a free account To continue reading create a free account Or sign into an existing account