Serena Williams says she is being 'discriminated' against over doping tests

Source: BBC News:

July 25, 2018 at 20:52

Serena Williams returned to tennis in February after a year out, during which she gave birth to her first child

Serena Williams says she is a victim of "discrimination" as she is the most drug tested American tennis player.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion made the claim in a tweet on Tuesday, after doping officials visited her.

The American had previously expressed frustration about the volume of her tests earlier this month.

"Out of all the players it's been proven I'm the one getting tested the most. Discrimination? I think so," said the 36-year-old.

An article published by website Deadspin in June revealed that Williams had been tested out of competition by the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) on five occasions in 2018.

It also claimed the player was not present when Usada officials visited her home on 14 June - Williams stated that the tester showed up 12 hours earlier than the agreed time.

It was eventually marked as a "missed test" - three of those would result in a Usada doping violation.

At the time of publication of the Deadspin article, Williams had been tested more than twice as many times as other top American players - male or female - including US Open champion Sloane Stephens (one) and sister and multiple Grand Slam winner Venus Williams (two).

Williams was asked about the findings of the report during Wimbledon earlier this summer.

"I never knew that I was tested so much more than everyone else," said the seven-time champion, who lost to German Angelique Kerber in the final.

"Until I read that article I didn't realise it was such a discrepancy with me as well as against the other players that they listed, at least the American players - both male and female."

BBC Sport has contacted Usada for a response to Williams' tweet.