Serena Williams demanded fair treatment from US doping chiefs after the former Wimbledon champion was shocked to be subjected to a series of tests in June.
Williams arrived at Wimbledon this week on the heels of a report that she was unhappy at excessive targeting from US Anti-Doping Agency drug testers.
An 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 told a press conference on Sunday.
“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’ answer phone at an airport.
Williams, preparing for the start of Wimbledon today, 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.