Serena Williams on Jannik Sinner doping case: I’d have been banned for 20 years

Serena Williams insists she would have been stripped of grand slam titles and given a 20-year ban had she failed a drugs test in the manner of Jannik Sinner.

Sinner is serving a three-month suspension that expires on May 4 after returning two positive tests for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol last year.

The 23-year-old from Italy, who remains world number one despite his absence, reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after claiming he had been inadvertently contaminated while being massaged by a member of his team.

Williams, who won 23 grand slam titles in a 27-year professional career, suggests he has been treated leniently.

“Fantastic personality. I love the guy, I love this game. He’s great for the sport,” she told Time Magazine.

“I’ve been put down so much, I don’t want to bring anyone down. Men’s tennis needs him.

“If I did that (tested positive for doping), I would have gotten 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have gotten grand slams taken away from me.”