Tennis icon Novak Djokovic has expressed concerns about the issues surrounding Jannik Sinner’s doping incident and subsequent suspension in early 2025. The Italian player accepted a three-month ban after testing positive twice in 2024.
Initially, Sinner escaped punishment as a tribunal determined that the positive tests for clostebol, an anabolic steroid, were due to contamination during a massage by his fitness coach. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found him not at fault for the results in March 2024.
Last year, the ITIA defended its handling of Sinner’s case and refuted claims of preferential treatment. In February, Sinner reached a resolution with the World Anti-Doping Agency, which had challenged the initial decision not to penalize him.
Following the suspension from February to May this year, the current world No. 2 completed his ban strategically to participate in the French Open, which began in late May.
Djokovic, who lost to Sinner in the semi-finals of the French Open and Wimbledon, shared his views on the situation during a comprehensive discussion with Piers Morgan. He expressed doubts about the transparency and handling of Sinner’s case, criticizing the timing of the ban between major tournaments.
The Serbian player, who faced criticism for his stance on the Covid-19 vaccination, clarified that he supports freedom of choice regarding vaccinations. In other news, Sky has discounted its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering over 1,400 live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League.
Sky is set to broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, an increase of up to 100 games compared to previous seasons.