The men's world number one is currently serving a three-month ban after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over two positive drugs tests last year but Williams feels that the punishment would've been far harsher had she broken the rules during her career.

The retired tennis legend told Time magazine: "I love the guy, I love his game. He's great for the sport. I've been put down so much, I don't want to bring anyone down. Men's tennis needs him.

"[But] if I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let's be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me."

The 23-time Grand Slam champion argued in 2018 that she was a victim of "discrimination" regarding the volume of drug tests that she had to carry out - with an article by the website Deadspin revealing that she had been tested out of competition more than twice as many times as other top US players.

Williams retired from tennis following the US Open in 2022 but admits that she misses competing at the highest level because she still feels "healthy".

The former world number one said: "I miss it a lot, with all my heart.

"I miss it because I'm healthy. If I couldn't walk, or if I was so out of it, I wouldn't miss it as much."

However, Williams is unlikely to return to the court as she is now focused on raising her two young daughters and her business interests.

The sports star added: "Hopefully I'll feel better when I feel like, physically, I'm not able to have wins over some people.

"I've given my whole life to tennis. And I would gladly give another two years if I had time. But it's nice to do something different. I'm content."