Novak Djokovic acknowledged the concerns raised by some tennis players regarding a perceived double standard in the sport following Jannik Sinner’s continued participation in tournaments despite testing positive for steroids twice. Djokovic expressed agreement with the belief that there is “a lack of consistency” in how such cases are handled within tennis.
Sinner tested positive for an anabolic steroid on two occasions in March, but the International Tennis Integrity Agency concluded that the banned substance had entered his system unintentionally during a massage session with his physiotherapist. The ruling clearing Sinner was made public just days before the U.S. Open, where he is the top-seeded male player. Djokovic, the defending U.S. Open champion and holder of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, is seeded No. 2.
Acknowledging the frustration felt by players, Djokovic emphasized the need for uniform and transparent protocols in similar cases. He mentioned the advocacy work of the Professional Tennis Players Association, which he co-founded, in striving for clear and equitable procedures for all players.
Several players, including Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning U.S. Open champion, reacted to Sinner’s situation on social media. Alcaraz referred to the matter as complex and suggested that there might be undisclosed factors influencing the final decision.
Despite the controversy surrounding Sinner’s case, the player was ultimately declared innocent and granted permission to continue competing. Alcaraz refrained from commenting extensively on the issue, highlighting that without full information, it is challenging to offer further opinions. The focus remains on the tournament, with Sinner’s eligibility confirmed.
Players and officials alike continue to navigate the intricacies of anti-doping regulations and their implementation in professional tennis, seeking greater clarity and uniformity to foster trust and fairness within the sport.
