Tennis star highlights inconsistencies after Jannik Sinner case
World number one Novak Djokovic has called for major reforms in tennis’s anti-doping system, describing it as “unfair” and lacking transparency. His remarks follow the recent doping controversy involving Italian player Jannik Sinner, who tested positive for the banned substance clostebol but was later cleared of fault.
‘Unfair’ and ‘Inconsistent’ System
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, expressed concerns over the fairness of current anti-doping regulations, arguing that similar cases have had different outcomes based on a player’s financial resources and legal support.
“The system needs to be fair to everyone. We’ve seen instances where some players face severe punishments while others are cleared under similar circumstances. This inconsistency creates doubts about the credibility of anti-doping measures,” Djokovic said.
The Sinner Case and Its Fallout
Sinner, ranked among the world’s top players, tested positive for clostebol in March. However, an independent tribunal ruled that the contamination was unintentional, tracing the substance back to his physiotherapist. The verdict has sparked debate within the tennis community, with some players questioning the leniency of the decision.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Djokovic, has also criticized the current system, calling for greater transparency and uniformity in handling doping cases.
Call for Reform
Djokovic’s comments have reignited discussions about the need for standardized anti-doping protocols. Several players and analysts believe that clear guidelines and an independent review body could help ensure that all athletes are treated equally, regardless of their ranking or financial standing.
“We need a system that players can trust—one that is based on fairness and equal treatment,” Djokovic added.
The controversy has added pressure on tennis authorities, including the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), to address concerns and review existing policies.
What’s Next?
With growing criticism from players and organizations, the push for anti-doping reform in tennis is likely to gain momentum. Whether governing bodies respond with significant changes remains to be seen.
For now, Djokovic and other leading figures in the sport continue to demand a fairer, more transparent approach to anti-doping regulations.
