This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Serena Williams’ camp have hit out at what they have branded “invasive and targeted” treatment by US anti-doping authorities as she builds up to next week’s Wimbledon tournament.



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Williams’ publicist, Kelly Bush Novak, outlined the player’s position when responding to a report on website Deadspin that an officer from the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) had sought to test Williams at her home in Florida outside the allotted daily window for the “whereabouts rule” earlier this month.

Williams, 36, is one of many athletes required by Usada to let the agency where she will be for a one-hour period of her choosing every day, even when not competing.

Testers, however, have the right to also make unannounced visits outside the one-hour window, though there is no guarantee the athlete will be at the location.

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If the athlete is not at home, it does not count as a missed test. Usada confirmed that Williams has been tested three times this year with five tests done in total during those visits.

When it became clear that Williams had been tested more than any other American player, male or female, Bush Novak provided the following statement to Deadspin: “Over her 23-year career in tennis, Serena Williams has never tested positive for any illegal substance despite being tested significantly more than other professional tennis players, both male and female – in fact, four times more frequently than her peers...

Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) And...... just like that anti doping is here ....again... second time this week. proud to participate to keep the sport clean. Even if they do test me at my current ranking of 454 in the world. Two times every week #BeingSerena

“While she willingly continues to submit to testing, there is absolutely no reason for this kind of invasive and targeted treatment.“

Deadspin reported the testing officer had arrived at Williams’ home at 8.30 a.m. local time, and had refused to leave until Williams had been tested. Williams was not at home and he eventually departed without a sample.

Deadspin published the story after receiving a tip from someone who it says overheard phone conversations by Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) CEO, Steve Simon, in an airport. Usada would not confirm specifics of the matter, citing athlete confidentiality.

“It’s unfortunate that an athlete’s right to confidentiality and privacy was leaked by a third-party,” Usada spokesperson Brad Horn said to Reuters in a written response to a series of questions.

“For fairness to athletes and their privacy, public disclosure of test missions are not made public, unless a stated time requires such notification.“

Usada can request a blood and/or a urine test, which means that on two of the three occasions they visisted Williams, she was tested for both. Horn said Williams passed all tests.

The WTA did not respond to a request for comment.

Williams, winner of 23 grand slam titles, has returned to competition this year from maternity leave. She reached the fourth round at Roland Garros before withdrawing with a pectoral injury but has recovered and is seeded 25th for her Wimbledon return when the tournament begins on Monday.