With Wimbledon fast approaching, a fresh controversy has emerged surrounding tennis legend Serena Williams and her use of anti-obesity medication. The former world No. 1 is set to make a highly anticipated return to the grass-court season later this month after receiving wild-card entries for both the singles and doubles competitions, the latter alongside her sister, Venus Williams.
The debate centers on the weight-loss treatment Williams reportedly used to shed around 15 kilograms over the past year. Critics argue that the injections could provide a competitive advantage and have raised concerns about potential performance enhancement. Others have questioned whether a conflict of interest exists, given Williams’ role as a spokesperson for Ro, a telemedicine company that prescribes weight-loss medications.
British sports journalist Catherine Whitaker has criticized the association, arguing that the promotion of such products capitalizes on women’s insecurities. While it remains unclear whether Williams continues to use tirzepatide, the athlete has acknowledged that the treatment helped her lose pregnancy-related weight and improve key health indicators, including blood sugar and cholesterol levels. She has also suggested that the weight loss positively affected her athletic performance, explaining that reduced strain on her knees has enabled her to move more freely and execute actions that were previously difficult.
In a recent feature, The Atlantic used Williams’ case to explore the broader implications of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, in professional sports. According to the publication, Williams is the first active elite athlete to publicly disclose using such medication, though she is unlikely to be the last. The article argues that if more high-profile competitors follow suit, sports authorities may face increasing pressure to determine whether these drugs should be classified as performance-enhancing substances.
So far, the World Anti-Doping Agency has not taken a formal position. However, the agency is reportedly monitoring developments closely and has commissioned research into the effects of semaglutide on body composition and athletic performance. Experts remain divided: some maintain that the drugs offer little competitive benefit, while others believe they should be restricted due to their potential performance-enhancing effects and concerns about worsening eating disorders.
A key challenge is the lack of scientific data involving elite athletes. As a result, Williams’ performances in the coming weeks may attract particular scrutiny. Her results since returning have been mixed. After capturing the doubles title at Queen’s Club alongside 19-year-old Canadian prospect Victoria Mboko—a run highlighted by a powerful 186 km/h serve—Williams was subsequently eliminated in the opening round of the doubles competition at the Berlin Open.
