Novak Djokovic did not hold back when discussing Jannik Sinner’s doping case settlement with WADA, stating that many players believe favoritism played a role in the Italian’s light three-month suspension.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion spoke candidly at the 2025 Qatar Open, addressing the controversy that has divided the tennis world. While he believes Sinner and Iga Swiatek were innocent in their respective cases, he also suggested that having the best legal defense can heavily influence doping rulings.
“It almost seems like you can influence the outcome if you are a top player and have access to the best lawyers,” Djokovic said.
The Sinner Controversy: Favoritism or Fair Settlement?
Sinner’s doping case has been one of the most polarizing in recent tennis history. The 2024 Indian Wells champion tested positive for clostebol, a banned substance, but was cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which determined the contamination was accidental.
However, WADA appealed the case, seeking a suspension of up to two years, only to shockingly agree to a three-month ban after private negotiations. This outcome left many in the tennis world outraged, with accusations of double standards and preferential treatment for the rising Italian star.
Djokovic, who co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) to fight for player fairness, blasted the process, highlighting the inconsistencies in anti-doping rulings.
“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 there was favoritism.”
Comparing Sinner’s Case to Halep and Others
Djokovic drew comparisons to Simona Halep, Tara Moore, and several lesser-known players who faced lengthy legal battles and harsher punishments.
“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.”
Halep, a former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, received a four-year ban for testing positive for roxadustat, despite consistently claiming innocence. The stark difference in case handling between Halep and Sinner has fueled speculation that star power and nationality might play a role in WADA’s decisions.
Djokovic Questions Why Sinner’s Team Escaped Punishment
One of Djokovic’s biggest concerns is that Sinner’s former physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, and fitness coach, Umberto Ferrara, who were ultimately responsible for the contamination, faced no consequences.
“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.”
Sinner’s team members continue to work on the ATP Tour, now partnering with Matteo Berrettini, which raises even more questions about accountability.
A Bigger Battle for Transparency?
The PTPA slammed WADA’s decision, calling the lack of transparency and fairness in doping cases a major issue. Djokovic echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the current system needs to be reformed to ensure equal treatment for all players.
With Sinner’s suspension conveniently ending just in time for the Italian Open and the French Open, questions remain about whether this was a compromise to protect the sport’s rising star while still maintaining WADA’s credibility.
Will tennis authorities listen to Djokovic’s calls for reform, or will cases like Sinner’s continue to spark controversy?
