Serena Williams Upset About Too Many 'Random' Dope Tests, Calls It Discrimination

Tennis star Serena Williams is once again in the middle of a controversy as she once again went public with her anger at being dope tested more time than any other player and said she thought it was a case of discrimination. "...and it's that time of the day to get "randomly" drug tested and only test Serena. Out of all the players it's been proven I'm the one getting tested the most. Discrimination? I think so. At least I'll be keeping the sport clean #StayPositive," she tweeted.

...and it's that time of the day to get "randomly" drug tested and only test Serena. Out of all the players it's been proven I'm the one getting tested the most. Discrimination? I think so. At least I'll be keeping the sport clean #StayPositive

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 25, 2018

But I'm ready to do whatever it takes to have a clean sport so bring it on. I'm excited.

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 25, 2018

But she went on to state that she'd go ahead with the tests anyway.

"But I'm ready to do whatever it takes to have a clean sport so bring it on. I'm excited," she subsequently tweeted.

This is not the first time that Serena has had a run-in with doping authorities.

She had demanded fair treatment from US doping chiefs after the former Wimbledon champion was subjected to a series of tests in June, just ahead of Wimbledon.

Serena arrived at Wimbledon on the heels of a report that she was unhappy at excessive targeting from US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) drug testers. A Deadspin article revealed Williams' anger about an unannounced test in June where the tester refused to leave her Florida house. The tester visited outside Williams' specified "whereabouts window" and found her not at home.

No athlete is obliged to comply with a testing visit if it is not made during the 60-minute window for which the athlete identifies their whereabouts in advance each day.

"I guess they decided it was a missed test, which really doesn't make sense. Anyone would logically think that I would have to be home 24 hours a day, or I get a missed test," Williams had told a press conference.

"You only get three missed tests. For me it's a little frustrating. How can I have a missed test when it's nowhere near the time I should be there?

"It's really disappointing, shocking. I was just like: 'That's just weird'."

The incident was made public after WTA chief Steve Simon was overheard leaving a message on Williams' answerphone at an airport.

Williams admitted she was disappointed the story had gone public.

But the seven-time Wimbledon champion also made it clear she didn't expect to have been tested so often this year.

"It's unfortunate but I guess when you're in my position, you mention my name, people overhear things and they want to tell the press," she said.

"I actually thought the article was interesting. I didn't know I was tested so much more than everyone else. I do know I'm always getting tested all the time, no matter where I'm ranked.

"I didn't realise it was such a discrepancy, at least with the American players. It would be impossible for me not to feel some sort of way about that."

Concerned at being tested more than her fellow American players, Williams revealed she had spoken to USADA chiefs.

The 36-year-old said she was tested five times on June, compared to one or none from some of her compatriots.

(With AFP inputs)