Williams criticizes Wimbledon-era anti-doping rules as grueling and confusing, arguing misses can be counted if a test is missed outside the reporting window, complicating her ability to balance parenting, travel, and running a venture capital firm.

She tells the ITIA she wants to reenter the International Registered Testing Pool, fueling talk of a potential comeback.

ITIA defends the system as a protective framework for players and invites dialogue if concerns arise.

Williams has used GLP-1 drugs for weight management, a topic monitored by WADA since 2024; these drugs remain legal for athletes and are not classified as performance-enhancing.

She recently returned to competition at Queen’s Club, winning the women’s doubles with Victoria Mboko and entering Wimbledon as a wild-card.

Whereabouts testing requires daily one-hour reachability; three misses in 12 months carry sanctions, while being unavailable outside the window isn’t a strike.

Williams returns to Wimbledon in 2026 after last competing in 2022, signaling a broader focus on athlete welfare and anti-doping enforcement this year.

Markéta Vondroušová’s case and reactions highlight tension over punishment levels and process within anti-doping rules.

ITIA clarifies that a missed contact within the window can count as a strike, but contact outside the window does not, emphasizing rules unchanged for years.

She is motivated to seize the Wimbledon wildcard and showcase her abilities while acknowledging the complexity of adhering to testing rules.

Williams is unsure about a full singles return but aims to enjoy competing and manage nerves, with a focus on legacy and performance aesthetics at Wimbledon.

Under WADA rules, athletes must submit to tests when requested, but missing tests outside the window may not incur penalties if the tester cannot locate them.