Novak Djokovic questioned the way in Jannik Sinner’s doping case was finalized, referring to the local court’s decision and the Italian’s short suspension as “very odd.”
Sinner was handed a three-month suspension earlier this year after testing positive for the anabolic agent clostebol. After the investigation, it was concluded that the drug entered his body unintentionally through massages given by his physiotherapist at Indian Wells in March 2024. In May, he was back in competition without having missed a Grand Slam event.
While talking to Piers Morgan, Djokovic stated that he did not think that Sinner was intentional but argued that the matter would inevitably “escort him like a shadow” to the end of his career. “It was a huge scandal, and, although it might become less significant with time, it will still be there,” said the Serbian.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion also referred to the alleged inconsistency in the manner doping cases are dealt with, implying that Sinner might be treated as if he is the one who is forgiven, whereas that of lower-ranked players is harshly handled. “There is no transparency and the timing of things is very convenient – it is between the Slams of very odd – which is very strange,” Djokovic said.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency has stated that they weigh only the evidence in each case and that the player’s name, country, or ranking does not have any bearing on the decision.
