ATP: Novak Djokovic on doping controversy

Novak Djokovic is a long-time critic of the anti-doping system in tennis. The current discussions about Jannik Sinner are grist to the Serb’s mill.

Olympic tennis champion Novak Djokovic would like to see a quick end to the doping discussions surrounding current world number one Jannik Sinner. “This whole case doesn’t help the sport at all,” said the Serb on Wednesday at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai, noting: “It’s very obvious that we have a system that doesn’t work well. There are far too many inconsistencies, far too many governing bodies are involved.

In the past, the 37-year-old had repeatedly criticized a two-tier system and advocated equal treatment for all players. “Whatever happens at the end of the day, I just wish it is resolved as quickly as possible,” Djokovic said.

There is a risk of a one to two year ban

It must be very hard for sinners at the moment, said the Grand Slam record winner. “It’s impressive that he plays at such a high level,” said Djokovic. The Italian sinner prevailed at the US Open despite the controversy surrounding him and also impressed at the China Open.

However, he faces a ban after two positive tests for Clostebol in March. Sinner initially filed two successful appeals against the provisional bans imposed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The ITIA decided not to object and referred the case to an independent court. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) then appealed to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the Italian’s acquittal and requested a ban of between one and two years for sinners.

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Djokovic Novak

Sinner Jannik