Federer understands Serena's anti-doping frustrations

Serena Williams has questioned the consistency of anti-doping procedures and Roger Federer can understand her complaints.

Published : Jul 01, 2018 23:02 IST

Williams has complained that her issue is with players not being tested equally and Federer fully understands where she is coming from.
Williams has complained that her issue is with players not being tested equally and Federer fully understands where she is coming from.
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Williams has complained that her issue is with players not being tested equally and Federer fully understands where she is coming from.

Roger Federer has backed Serena Williams' criticism of "inconsistent" anti-doping procedures, saying he sometimes has the same frustrations.

A United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) database shows Williams has been subjected to five tests so far this year. In comparison, sister Venus, Sloane Stephens and Coco Vandeweghe have all been tested twice and Madison Keys once.

Williams has complained that her issue is with players not being tested equally and Federer fully understands where she is coming from.

"If they rock up 10 times a day, it gets rough - because they can," he said.

"I've had a lot of testing the last month. I think I've had seven tests, so it's been quite heavy. In the village I live in Switzerland, the tester lives in the same village, so it's very convenient.

"I've been tested quite frequently out of competition. In Dubai, I've hardly ever been tested, which is quite disappointing. In 15 years I've been going there, it's been one test.

"It really varies from place to place. Maybe that's the part I don't like - the inconsistency of where they test.

"What's important is that these people are professional, they know what they're doing, they treat you like humans and not like criminals.

"I understand the frustrations at times. I have them too."

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