Serena Williams had verdict on Jannik Sinner ban | Sports News

Serena Williams claimed that she would’ve been hit with a far larger retribution than Jannik Sinner obtained for failing drug exams.

In the eyes of Williams, Sinner’s punishment was nothing more than a mild slap on the wrist. Speaking to Time Magazine, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion argued that she would’ve been stripped of her accolades and suspended for twenty years if caught with clostebol in her system.

“Fantastic personality. I love the guy, love this game,” Williams mentioned of Sinner. “He’s great for the sport. I’ve been put down so much, I don’t want to bring anyone down. Men’s tennis needs him. [But] if I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let’s be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me.”

Despite admitting to being “very fragile” within the quick aftermath of his ban, Sinner instructed Sky Sport Italia that he ultimately got here to phrases with the scenario. “I was very fragile after what happened, because many things happened, including unexpected reactions on my part,” the 24-year-old said.

“But in life, you study; 12 months after 12 months, I get to know myself higher. It was very troublesome at instances, however the people close to me gave me the power to grasp and transfer ahead.

“It’s a bit unfair what I’m going through but, if we look at things, it could have been much worse, it could have been even more unfair,” he added. “Afterwards, after we made this determination, it took me a whereas to seek out myself again. Other issues occurred, past this, that weren’t simple for me, however I’m right here, and it’ll take a bit more time to digest all of this.”

With his doping scandal now a distant memory, Sinner’s utmost focus is currently centered on securing a third consecutive Australian Open title. Novak Djokovic is the only male player in the Open Era to accomplish the feat, having emerged victorious three straight years at Melbourne Park twice (2011–2013 and 2019–2021).

Back in January 2024, Sinner won his first of four career majors by defeating Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open. Then in 2025, he returned down under and beat Alexander Zverev in the first grand slam of the year.

Looking ahead to this month’s Open, Sinner told 9News Melbourne that he already has his sights set on another title. “[It is] one of the targets for this season,” he mentioned. “It’s gonna be very troublesome to get back there, however I’m going to put myself within the recreation.

“I know that I’ve practiced very well. The off-season was great. Physically, I feel good. You start the season by having some doubts, which is normal — but at the same time, there’s also a lot of confidence because of certain results I’ve had in the past.”