Djokovic Speaks Out On Sinner’s Controversial Doping Case Settlement
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Novak Djokovic spoke honestly when asked about Jannik Sinner's case settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The 24-time Grand Slam champion said that many think the Italian benefited from favoritism.
Sinner tested positive for clostebol at March's Indian Wells Open. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared him of wrongdoing but kept its five-month investigation private until reaching a verdict, irritating many.
In October, WADA appealed the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It did not dispute that Sinner was accidentally contaminated by his physiotherapist but argued that he bore some fault and should be banned for between one and two years.
WADA's initial adamance is why so many were left stunned by the case resolution between the governing body and Sinner's team that saw a three-month ban implemented. The resolution means he is banned from February 9th until May 4th.
Novak Djokovic co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) to promote transparency and equity for all ATP and WTA players. The organization's statement about the case was notable.
Holding nothing back, the PTPA directly accused the anti-doping agencies of bias and said they were not transparent or fair to all athletes. It also vowed to bring change to rectify the situation moving forward.
The PTPA's statement meant many were fascinated to know Djokovic's individual thoughts. Speaking at the 2025 Qatar Open, the Serbian said Sinner and Iga Swiatek were innocent in their cases but thinks those with the best lawyers can influence case outcome.
"It almost seems like you can influence the outcome if you are a top player and have access to the best lawyers. Sinner and Swiatek are innocent, it has been proven."
Djokovic revealed he has spoken to many players, and most of them are unhappy with the process. They think favoritism exists depending on who is being investigated, and the former world No. 1 used examples of other cases to demonstrate why some believe there is bias.
"I have spoken to several players in the locker room, not only in the last few days but also in the months before. Most of them are not satisfied with how the whole process has gone and do not think it was fair. Many believe that there was favoritism."
"We have seen the cases of Simona Halep, Tara Moore, and other players who are perhaps less well-known, who have struggled for years to resolve their cases or who have been suspended for a long time. I think it is really time to do something and address the system, because it is clear that the structure is not working like this."
There is one other part Djokovic struggles to understand. Giacomo Naldi, Sinner's former physiotherapist, and Umberto Ferrara, his former fitness coach, who were most at fault for Sinner testing positive, received no sanction and have worked with Sinner's compatriot Matteo Berrettini.
"Jannik will have a three-month suspension due to some mistakes and negligence of some members of his team, who are working on the tour. This is also something that I personally and many other players find strange."
