Novak Djokovic has expressed his concerns about the ongoing doping case involving Jannik Sinner, stating that it’s “not helping tennis at all” ¹ ² ³. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is seeking a ban of up to two years after Sinner tested positive for the steroid clostebol in March, but the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) initially cleared him of wrongdoing ¹.
Djokovic believes that the system is flawed, citing “way too many inconsistencies” and “way too many governing bodies involved” ¹. He’s also impressed by Sinner’s ability to perform at a high level despite the ongoing case, saying it’s “impressive what he’s been doing in the whole process” ¹.
Sinner himself is “very confident” about the outcome, having already won three hearings related to the case ⁴. He explains that the banned substance entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing clostebol to treat a cut finger ⁴.
The case is now with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Sinner can continue playing until a decision is made ⁴. Djokovic’s comments highlight the uncertainty and frustration surrounding the situation, which is affecting not just Sinner but the sport as a whole.
