During the 2018 Indian Wells Open post-match press conference, Serena Williams faced a reporter who inquired about leaked WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) documents suggesting a Therapeutic Use Exemption (T.U.E) during the 2015 French Open. Despite the potentially sensitive nature of the question, Williams, known for her class and grace, handled it with composure..
Despite being unhappy with the tone of the question, Serena Williams maintained her composure and delivered a firm response. She clarified that she had obtained the Therapeutic Use Exemption (T.U.E) during her 2015 Paris title win because she was unwell at that time. Williams addressed the inquiry with poise, providing an explanation for the exemption..
“Oh I didn’t get it, excuse me, can you talk louder so everyone can hear you asking me about my drugs? I have never tested positive. I have always done the T.U.E so you should fact-check that. I wasn’t going to play (the French Open) unless I had a T.U.E because if you remember that year I was incredibly sick,”
she said.
Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, emphasized that she lives by her principles, which unequivocally exclude cheating or taking advantage of anyone. Her statement reaffirmed her commitment to integrity and fair play in her approach to tennis..
“I am never, ever going to take an advantage over someone else. That is not who I am. I don’t know how I even won the [tournament], and I said I literally can’t play the final. I have played over 20 years and I have always been extremely honest and that is one thing I take pride on,”
she noted.
Serena Williams, who became a mother to daughter Olympia in 2017, openly confessed that the thought of cheating or doping is something she could never face her child with. This personal commitment to her daughter serves as an additional reason for Williams to firmly reject any involvement in unethical practices in the sport.
“If you’re gonna beat me, you’re gonna beat me” – Serena Williams on playing fair
Serena Williams retired in September 2022
Serena Williams, holder of 23 Grand Slam titles, the most in the Open Era, emphasized her commitment to fairness. She highlighted her practice of congratulating opponents during losses, stating that these qualities have played a significant role in shaping her identity as a player. Williams underlined the importance of sportsmanship in her career..
“I’ve always been that kind of player that – (if) you’re gonna beat me, you’re gonna beat me. And I’m gonna congratulate you but (I am) never ever gonna take an advantage and try to have an advantage over someone else. That’s not who I am and I’ll never be who I am (if I did that),”
she said..