Serena Williams' Return Sparks Debate Over ADHD Medication Rules in Tennis

Serena Williams' comeback to professional tennis has revived scrutiny of medication policies in the sport. After confirming she used a weight‑loss drug following the birth of her second child, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) clarified its stance on therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) for ADHD treatments. ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse explained that TUE approvals require a diagnosis verified by two independent specialists and a review by an expert committee, emphasizing that the process is strict and transparent. The agency also referenced the 2022 provisional suspension of former world No. 7 Fernando Verdasco, who tested positive for methylphenidate after failing to renew his TUE, as an example of how administrative errors can lead to sanctions. Williams recently partnered with Karolina Muchova in the doubles draw at the Berlin Ladies Open but the pair were eliminated in the first round.