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Rachel V Thomas

Serena Williams Calls Anti-Doping Rules 'Unreasonable'; Experts Highlight Impact On Athletes' Mental Health

Tennis legend Serena Williams has criticized the anti-doping rules as "unreasonable" and "unprofessional" ahead of her Wimbledon return.

Serena Williams, who has won seven singles titles at Wimbledon during her legendary career, called the testing "grueling." The mother of two also criticized the anti-doping testing system, saying that even leaving her designated testing window to pick up her children could be counted as a missed test.

Her stance has reignited debate over whether the current system strikes the right balance between protecting clean sport and safeguarding athletes' well-being.

HealthandMe spoke to two sports medicine experts—Dr P. S. M. Chandran, President of the Indian Federation of Sports Medicine, and Dr Kajal Goyal, Team Physiotherapist of the India Women's Sepak Takraw Team—to understand how anti-doping rules affect athletes.

Sports physician Dr Chandran argues that the rationale behind the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) itself needs to be questioned, claiming its policies have become overly punitive.

On the other hand, the sports physio Dr Kajal believes there is no evidence that anti-doping testing directly harms athletes physically. However, she says the psychological burden associated with repeated surveillance can indirectly affect recovery, performance and injury risk.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/marketa-vondrousova-banned-for-4-years-from-tennis-how-doping-tests-work-article-154735001" data-type="tilCustomLink">Marketa Vondrousova Banned For 4 Years From Tennis: How Doping Tests Work</a>

According to Dr Kajal, blood and urine sample collection has minimal physiological impact, and there is no evidence that anti-doping testing directly delays muscle healing or tissue recovery.

Instead, she says the greatest concern is the indirect effect of unannounced testing on athletes' recovery.

"Even small reductions in sleep over time can slow muscle repair, reduce muscular recovery and increase fatigue. Athletes experiencing anxiety about missing a test or managing constant travel and reporting obligations may have higher psychological stress, which can affect sleep quality, motivation and overall readiness to train," she told HealthandMe.

Dr Kajal added that while repeated anti-doping testing has not been shown to reduce physiological performance, the stress associated with constant surveillance may contribute to anxiety, burnout and an increased risk of injury.

The expert also stressed that anti-doping remains an essential part of ensuring fair competition and suggested that authorities adopt more athlete-centered approaches, including better medical coordination, greater flexibility during rehabilitation and pregnancy, and stronger mental health support.

Dr Chandran, however, said that WADA's justification for anti-doping rules lacks sufficient scientific evidence.

"WADA's argument for bringing in doping control in sports is indeed flimsy. WADA claims that doping enhances performance without much supporting data. The other argument is that doping is injurious to athletes. Here also, WADA fails to produce evidence-based medicine," he told HealthandMe.

The expert further claimed that both doping and the current anti-doping system can harm sport by unfairly branding athletes as "cheats".

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/fifa-world-cup-2026-why-sleeping-pill-addiction-is-common-among-football-players-article-154629308" data-type="tilCustomLink">Why Sleeping Pill Addiction Is Common Among Football Players</a>

Dr Chandran also argued that the current anti-doping framework places an excessive burden on athletes. "Over the years, WADA has grown into a monster which destroys the career of athletes and imposes sanctions which may last a lifetime," he said.

He added that frequent testing interferes with athletes' privacy, training schedules and competitions while causing mental distress and financial hardship.

According to Dr Chandran, increasing numbers of athletes are being sanctioned for using commonly prescribed medicines, including cough syrups, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs and diuretics. He also pointed to India's high number of anti-doping sanctions in recent years as evidence that the current system requires reform.

The experts acknowledged the importance of protecting athletes and preserving fair competition.

Dr Kajal called for retaining anti-doping testing while making it more athlete-friendly through improved mental health support and flexible implementation. Dr Chandran, meanwhile, believes the scientific basis and proportionality of WADA's rules should be fundamentally reassessed.

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Tennis legend Serena Williams has criticized the anti-doping rules as "unreasonable" and "unprofessional" ahead of her Wimbledon return.Serena Williams, who has won seven singles titles at Wimbledon during her legendary career, called the testing "grueling." The mother of two also criticized the anti-doping testing system, saying that even leaving her designated testing window to pick up her children could be counted as a missed test.Her stance has reignited debate over whether the current system strikes the right balance between protecting clean sport and safeguarding athletes' well-being.HealthandMe spoke to two sports medicine experts—Dr P. S. M. Chandran, President of the Indian Federation of Sports Medicine, and Dr Kajal Goyal, Team Physiotherapist of the India Women's Sepak Takraw Team—to understand how anti-doping rules affect athletes.Sports physician Dr Chandran argues that the rationale behind the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) itself needs to be questioned, claiming its policies have become overly punitive.On the other hand, the sports physio Dr Kajal believes there is no evidence that anti-doping testing directly harms athletes physically. However, she says the psychological burden associated with repeated surveillance can indirectly affect recovery, performance and injury risk.Indirect Impact On RecoveryAlso read: Marketa Vondrousova Banned For 4 Years From Tennis: How Doping Tests WorkAccording to Dr Kajal, blood and urine sample collection has minimal physiological impact, and there is no evidence that anti-doping testing directly delays muscle healing or tissue recovery.Instead, she says the greatest concern is the indirect effect of unannounced testing on athletes' recovery."Even small reductions in sleep over time can slow muscle repair, reduce muscular recovery and increase fatigue. Athletes experiencing anxiety about missing a test or managing constant travel and reporting obligations may have higher psychological stress, which can affect sleep quality, motivation and overall readiness to train," she told HealthandMe.Dr Kajal added that while repeated anti-doping testing has not been shown to reduce physiological performance, the stress associated with constant surveillance may contribute to anxiety, burnout and an increased risk of injury.The expert also stressed that anti-doping remains an essential part of ensuring fair competition and suggested that authorities adopt more athlete-centered approaches, including better medical coordination, greater flexibility during rehabilitation and pregnancy, and stronger mental health support.WADA's Approach Is FlimsyDr Chandran, however, said that WADA's justification for anti-doping rules lacks sufficient scientific evidence."WADA's argument for bringing in doping control in sports is indeed flimsy. WADA claims that doping enhances performance without much supporting data. The other argument is that doping is injurious to athletes. Here also, WADA fails to produce evidence-based medicine," he told HealthandMe.The expert further claimed that both doping and the current anti-doping system can harm sport by unfairly branding athletes as "cheats".Read More: Why Sleeping Pill Addiction Is Common Among Football PlayersConcerns Over Athlete WelfareDr Chandran also argued that the current anti-doping framework places an excessive burden on athletes. "Over the years, WADA has grown into a monster which destroys the career of athletes and imposes sanctions which may last a lifetime," he said.He added that frequent testing interferes with athletes' privacy, training schedules and competitions while causing mental distress and financial hardship.According to Dr Chandran, increasing numbers of athletes are being sanctioned for using commonly prescribed medicines, including cough syrups, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs and diuretics. He also pointed to India's high number of anti-doping sanctions in recent years as evidence that the current system requires reform.A Growing DebateThe experts acknowledged the importance of protecting athletes and preserving fair competition.Dr Kajal called for retaining anti-doping testing while making it more athlete-friendly through improved mental health support and flexible implementation. Dr Chandran, meanwhile, believes the scientific basis and proportionality of WADA's rules should be fundamentally reassessed.

serena williams calls anti-doping rules 'unreasonable'; experts highlight impact on athletes' mental health

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