Jannik Sinner, the world’s No. 1-ranked male tennis player, accepted a three-month ban after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regarding two positive drug tests in 2024. The ban, which runs from February 9 to May 4, was a result of Sinner testing positive for the banned substance clostebol.

Speaking to Sean Gregory of TIME as part of its annual 100 Most Influential People list, Williams explained she would have been banned for 20 years if she had failed a PED test like Jannik Sinner did. "If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let's be honest," she said. "I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me."