Djokovic slams tennis ‘system’ amid Sinner-WADA case: “Too many bodies involved”

Serb Novak Djokovic recently shared his honest thoughts on WADA’s appeal in world No 1 Jannik Sinner‘s doping case, slamming the system in place governing tennis.

Djokovic is due to begin his quest for a fifth triumph at Shanghai Masters, having won the tournament in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018. He is the seed No 4 in this year’s main draw and has already received a bye in the first round.

Ahead of the second round, the Serb attended the customary pre-tournament presser, where he was asked to comment on the trouble Sinner has been facing after failing two dope tests at Indian Wells earlier this year.

“It’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said. “I guess that’s probably something that even to people who are not following our sport are realising.”

There’s way too many inconsistencies, way too many governing bodies involved. this whole case is not helping our sport at all. “

Novak Djokovic

Sinner went through a rigorous investigation from an independent International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) tribunal after his samples were found contaminated with Clostebol, a performance-boosting banned drug, at the ATP Masters 1000 event in March this year.

The Italian proved his innocence by claiming the banned substance reached his body through a spray applied by his physio Giacomo Naldi on his finger. Thus, the ITIA acquitted him declaring ‘No Fault or Negligence’.

In September, however, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) challenged ITIA’s verdict in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), calling for a ban on the world No 1 from Italy.

Talking about the development further in Shanghai, Djokovic said: “I think he has won the three appeals so far that he had and it must be very tough for him and his team and family.”

Djokovic praises Sinner for “winning Grand Slam” despite the off-court crisis

Jannik Sinner has commendably negated the effects of the off-court crises following the dope test failures to win trophies on the ATP Tour. He maintains an impressive 59-6 win-loss record and, post Indian Wells, has clinched four titles, including the US Open.

In his press conference, Novak Djokovic praised the 23-year-old for the resilience:

“I mean, it’s impressive what he’s been doing in the whole process of what’s been happening and he’s playing on such a high level, winning Grand Slam, and winning most of the matches that he plays.”

The Serb hoped for a timely resolution in the new WADA appeal:

“This situation or these circumstances are not positive for our sport. So, hopefully, we can resolve this case as soon as possible, whatever was going to happen at the end of the day, I just wish for it to be resolved as soon as possible.”

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