Novak Djokovic, currently ranked 2nd and from Serbia, has criticized the leniency shown towards Jannik Sinner, ranked 1st and from Italy, regarding a recent doping test. Speaking in New York on the 25th, just before the US Open, Djokovic expressed his concerns, stating, “There is a lot of issue in the system.”
Sinner tested positive in two doping tests in March but did not face any suspension due to his explanation. The only consequences were that his prize money and ranking points were invalidated when he tested positive. However, other players have voiced their concerns that the protocol is inconsistent.
Djokovic noted, “We see a lack of standardized and clear protocols. I can understand the sentiments of a lot of players that are questioning whether they are treated the same. Hopefully the governing bodies of our sport will be able to learn from this case and have a better approach for the future. Collectively there has to be a change, and I think that’s obvious.”
Sinner’s explanation was also accepted because of his expensive legal team. Djokovic had previously lost to Sinner in the semifinals of the Australian Open in January, two months before the doping results emerged.
French Open and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz (ranked third in Spain) stated, “It’s a delicate subject.”
“He tested positive, but there must be some reason why they let him continue playing that we don’t know. So I can’t talk much more about the subject either.”
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