Djokovic Raises Concerns Over Sinner's Doping Suspension
Novak Djokovic has publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding world number one Jannik Sinner's three-month doping ban, suggesting the timing and length of the suspension were highly convenient for the Italian tennis star. In a candid interview, Djokovic warned that the controversy would follow Sinner throughout his professional career, creating a persistent cloud of suspicion.
The Controversial Three-Month Ban
Sinner served his suspension in February 2025 after the World Anti-Doping Agency accepted his explanation that a banned anabolic steroid, clostebol, had entered his system accidentally. Despite this official clearance, Djokovic expressed significant concerns about how the case was managed by tennis authorities.
Speaking on Piers Morgan: Uncensored on YouTube, the Serbian tennis legend drew parallels between Sinner's situation and his own experience with COVID-19 controversies. "That cloud will follow him just as the cloud of Covid will follow me, for the rest of his, or my career in this case," Djokovic stated. He emphasised that while public memory might fade over time, certain groups would always reference the incident when discussing Sinner's achievements.
Transparency Questions and Player Backlash
Although Djokovic said he believed Sinner "didn't do it on purpose," he highlighted what he perceived as inconsistent treatment by anti-doping authorities. The 24-time Grand Slam champion specifically questioned how Sinner managed to serve his ban without missing any major tournaments.
"There is the lack of transparency, the inconsistency, the convenience [of] the ban coming between the slams, so he doesn't miss out the others – it's just, it was very, very odd," Djokovic added. His comments reflect growing discontent among professional players, with numerous competitors from both the men's and women's tours reportedly complaining about what they see as preferential treatment in Sinner's case.
The controversy continues to spark debate within the tennis community about fairness and consistency in anti-doping enforcement, raising questions that extend far beyond this individual case.
