Tennis icon Novak Djokovic has strongly criticized what he calls favoritism in tennis anti-doping system after Jannik Sinner received a short three-month ban for testing positive for the banned substance Clostebol.
Sinner, who recently won the 2025 Australian Open, was initially allowed to continue competing. However, he later accepted a suspension that conveniently ends before key tournaments like the Italian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Many believe this raises concerns about fairness, consistency, and transparency in the anti-doping system.
Novak Djokovic Calls for Anti-Doping System Reform
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, believes that most tennis players have lost trust in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). He argues that the Doping Control system is broken and favors top-ranked players who have access to the best legal support.
The Serbian star insists that the Doping Control system should treat all players equally, regardless of their ranking or influence. He has urged tennis authorities to take immediate action to restore fairness and credibility.
Unfair Treatment and Favoritism in Tennis Anti Doping?
Many have compared Sinner’s case to Simona Halep’s four-year ban and British player Tara Moore’s 18-month suspension. These inconsistencies in the anti doping system have led Djokovic and other players to question whether it truly ensures fairness or if “double standards” are at play.
Critics argue that high-profile players seem to receive more lenient treatment, while lesser-known athletes face harsher consequences for similar infractions. This disparity fuels ongoing debates about integrity in professional tennis.
Tennis Needs a Transparent and Fair Anti Doping System
While Djokovic does not question the innocence of Sinner or Iga Swiatek, he believes that unclear rules and inconsistent decisions damage the sport’s reputation. He has called on tennis’ governing bodies to reform the anti doping system to make it fair, transparent, and equal for all players.
With trust in WADA and ITIA at an all-time low, many in the tennis world are now demanding a more just, consistent, and reliable Doping Control system to protect the sport’s integrity.
