Serena Williams condemns anti‑doping whereabouts rules ahead of Wimbledon return

Returning to singles competition at Wimbledon, 44‑year‑old Serena Williams said the sport’s anti‑doping whereabouts system is “unprofessional” and “unreasonable.” She described the requirement to provide a daily one‑hour availability window and to keep the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) updated on her location as “grueling,” saying it conflicts with her duties as a mother and venture‑capital executive and nearly discouraged her comeback.

Williams noted that a missed test counts even when she is outside her designated window, limiting her ability to pick up her children. While she acknowledged that testing is necessary to keep tennis clean, she urged the ITIA to find a more flexible approach. The ITIA responded that a missed test only triggers a strike when testers cannot reach a player during the scheduled hour. Williams will open her Wimbledon campaign against 20‑year‑old Maya Joint.

The remarks come as Williams resumes competition after a four‑year retirement, having previously returned in doubles at Queen’s Club and Berlin before entering the singles draw.