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Serena Williams makes stunning 'discrimination' claim

Yahoo Sport Australia

Serena Williams has taken to social media, claiming to be the victim of discrimination from officials.

The 36-year-old was rather unimpressed about having to undertake a random drug test on Wednesday, tweeting her displeasure.

“And it’s that time of the day to get ‘randomly’ drug tested and only test Serena,” she posted.

“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.

However the 19-time grand slam champion did seem to see the positive side:

Serena has previously stated she feels unfairly singled out by anti-doping chiefs after figures released earlier this month showed she is drug tested far more than any other American player.

Williams complained shortly before last month’s French Open that testers had visited her twice in one week, despite her lowly ranking of 454 at the time, and brought the matter up with the US Anti-Doping Agency.

An article on deadspin.com revealed the 23-time grand slam champion has been drug tested five times this year, whereas fellow American players Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys had been tested just once.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Serena Williams of The United States in action against Angelique Kerber of Germany during the Ladies’ Singles final on day twelve of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, 2018 in London, England (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Serena Williams of The United States in action against Angelique Kerber of Germany during the Ladies’ Singles final on day twelve of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, 2018 in London, England (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Williams said she had not realised she was tested more often than her compatriots until the story came out.

“When I saw it, I actually learned from it. I thought, ‘wow’. I literally didn’t know that,” she said. “I do know I’m always tested. I’m always getting tested, all the time. No matter where I’m ranked.

“I sat on player council for 12 plus years. Normally it goes on ranking. I get it even if I’m number one. How is it I’m getting tested five times? It’s only June, I’ve been tested five times.

“I’m okay with that, as long as everyone is being treated equally. That’s all I care about.

“I feel like equality, that’s all I’ve been preaching, it’s all about equality. If that’s testing everyone five times, let’s do it. Let’s be a part of it.

“It’s just about being equal and not centering one person out. Just due to the numbers, it looks like I’m being pushed out. Just test everyone equally.”

with AAP