Every active player is subject to out-of-competition testing. <\/p>\n
But those in the testing pool – which is largely comprised of the top 100 singles, doubles and wheelchair players as well as returning athletes – must let the testers know where they will be for one hour of every single day.<\/p>\n
A player who misses three out of-competition tests in a 12-month period after being contacted by a tester is likely to be sanctioned.<\/p>\n
Williams claimed there are “new rules” in place, but the ITIA says the protocols around whereabouts have not changed since she “evolved away” from tennis September 2024.<\/p>\n
“It’s unprofessional. I hate it. I think it’s necessary, but I think a lot of the stuff, if I want to go places outside of my window, I should be able to go without having it count as a missed test,” said Williams.<\/p>\n
American player Jenson Brooksby was banned for 18 months for missing three tests, although his suspension was later reduced to 13 months by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).<\/p>\n
The ITIA says no-notice testing is a “fundamental pillar of an effective anti-doping programme”.<\/p>\n
A lot of players have voiced their concerns about the process, highlighted the stress which they say the system causes them.<\/p>\n
Two-time US Open finalist Jessica Pegula said last year she knows a lot of players who “don’t sleep” because they fear missing a test, while recent French Open champion Alexander Zverev described how he was called back to his home in Monte Carlo by testers while he was driving his daughter to Nice airport.<\/p>\n
Now Williams is also complaining her personal freedom is being taken away by the process.<\/p>\n
She she does not mind because she loves tennis but “it is just getting [back] into that routine of reporting every day”.<\/p>\n
Williams added: “I guess now for 24 hours where I’m going to be is just different – at least for me. I don’t know if that works for everyone else.”<\/p>\n
The ITIA says the rules are not designed to “trip players up”.<\/p>\n
In a statement provided to BBC Sport, it added: “We understand the system can seem challenging, but it is there to protect players.<\/p>\n
“If players are unsure or have questions, we would welcome a conversation with them directly or through their agents.”<\/p>\n