Update: Serena Williams has had enough of the random drug testing. In a tweet on Tuesday, July 24, the queen of the courts expressed how unfairly she is treated compared to her fellow players. "… and it’s that time of the day to get “randomly” drug tested and only test Serena," she wrote. "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 [Sic]."

A recent report from Deadspin highlighted the testing imbalance. Williams has been tested an estimated five times more compared to others even though she has never tested positive for performance enhancement drugs. Like any great competitor, the frustration is setting in but she remains steadfast in her pursuit of victory. "But I’m ready to do whatever it takes to have a clean sport so bring it on. I’m excited." Now, she's gearing up for the Rogers Cup next month in Montreal. 


Update: On Monday, July 2, HuffPost reported Serena Williams responded to the Deadspin report that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has tested her more than other tennis players.

“I never knew that I was tested so much more than everyone else. Until I read that article, I didn't realize it was such a discrepancy with me as well as against the other players that they listed, at least the American players—both male and female,” Williams said.

The seven-time Wimbledon champ also said, "It would be impossible for me to not feel some kind of way about that. I just found it quite interesting."

Original Story: Serena Williams' camp said she has been tested more frequently by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in 2018 than her peers in "invasive and targeted treatment," according to a Deadspin report. 

Recent speculation online over the possibility that Williams is being unfairly targeted by the USADA was sparked by a Deadspin report that detailed a recent incident in which the tennis champion was paid an unannounced visit by an anti-doping agent.

According to reporting by Deadspin's Laura Wagner, an anti-doping agent arrived at Williams' Florida residence on June 14 – while she was not at home – and reportedly refused to leave until Williams had been tested. The agent eventually left without testing the tennis star. 

Williams, who has 23 grand slam single titles, had reportedly contacted Steve Simon, CEO of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) to discuss concerns and questions about being targeted in regards to the unannounced visit, Deadspin reported. 

"I received a text from Serena and called her back and left a message,” Simon told Deadspin. “She shared with me some concerns and questions she had about an out-of-competition drug test.”

Simon told Deadspin it was "not uncommon" to receive calls from athletes with concerns and questions regarding anti-doping organizations. Deadspin also reported that the USADA released a statement reassuring that they had been in communication with Williams regarding the June 14 visit. 

"We spoke with Serena recently about a recent test mission," USADA communications director Brad Horn said. "Serena has been supportive and engaged with our program, and she is in good standing with our program. As our website indicates, Serena has been tested five times out of competition by USADA so far in 2018, all of which she has passed. Our recent conversation was a good one just like the many other times we have spoken with her.

In an interview with Reuters, Horn also confirmed that Williams had been tested on three occasions but for a total of five tests – meaning Williams was tested for both a blood and urine test in two occasions.

As Deadspin pointed out, The USADA website reveals Williams had been tested five times which appears to be more than other top American women's players listed: Venus Williams was tested twice; Coco Vandeweghe was tested twice; Sloane Stephens was tested once; and Bethanie Mattek-Sands was tested twice, to list a few examples stated on the website. 

"USADA retains the right to test any athlete at any time and may target test athletes as USADA deems appropriate," a statement by the USADA released to Deadspin read in part. 

However, a spokesperson for Williams said the champ has received "invasive and targeted treatment" in a statement to Deadspin:

"Over her 23-year career in tennis, Serena Williams has never tested positive for any illegal substance despite being tested significantly more than other professional tennis players, both male and female – in fact, four times more frequently than her peers. She has vocally supported, respected and complied with USADA testing throughout her entire career. While she willingly continues to submit to testing, there is absolutely no reason for this kind of invasive and targeted treatment."

Serena-williams