Novak Djokovic feels Jannik Sinner doping case not helping tennis
Novak Djokovic expressed hope on Wednesday that the doping case involving current world number one Jannik Sinner would be “resolved as soon as possible.” Djokovic also reiterated his concerns about the “inconsistencies” in the tennis anti-doping system. Sinner had failed two drug tests in March but was cleared by tennis authorities, allowing him to continue competing.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced on Saturday that it had filed an appeal, seeking a ban of up to two years for the Italian player. Djokovic, speaking at the Shanghai Masters, acknowledged that the situation must be “very tough” for Sinner and previously noted that some players questioned whether Sinner’s ranking had influenced the decision to clear him.
“Well, I think it’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well. So, I guess that’s probably something that even the people who are not following our sport are realizing. There’s way too many inconsistencies, way too many governing bodies involved, and, you know, just this whole case is not helping our sport at all. I think he has won the three appeals so far that he had, and, you know, it must be very tough for him and his team and family.”
Hopefully, we can go back to tennis
Djokovic is also hoping that things can be resolved and everyone can go back to tennis. The former World No.1 is also impressed with the way Sinner has been working on the court and is hoping for a quick resolution of the case.
“Hopefully, we can go back to tennis and, I mean, it’s impressive what he was been doing, in the whole process of what’s been happening, that he’s playing such a high level, winning Grand Slam and, you know, winning most of the matches that he plays. But that’s not, you know, this situation or these circumstances are not positive for our sport, so hopefully we can resolve this case as soon as possible. Whatever’s going to happen, at the end of the day, I just wish for it to be resolved as soon as possible. Yeah, that’s all I have to say about that,” said Djokovic.
Sinner had won the US Open after he was cleared to compete.