Novak Djokovic claimed his first win at this week’s ATP 500 event in Doha. Novak and Fernando Verdasco played at a high level in the first round of the doubles draw. The veterans beat Karen Khachanov and Alexander Bublik 6-1, 6-1 in no time.
After the match, Novak reflected on Jannik Sinner’s doping case and his agreed three-month suspension that drew controversies. The 24-time Major winner highlighted concerns over favoritism and inconsistencies in anti-doping cases.
Last week, world no. 1 Sinner accepted WADA’s offer to resolve the case swiftly and without a trial. However, Djokovic believes the situation raises broader issues within tennis governance. Novak pointed out a clear fact!
What was this scoreline? 😲
6-1 6-1 Djokovic/Verdasco over Bublik/Khachanov in Doha, during Fernando’s last week as a professional player 💥 pic.twitter.com/MG2EdAME0k
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) February 17, 2025
While Jannik’s contamination was considered minor, other players faced prolonged investigations and harsher penalties. In other words, the Italian was treated differently than others, including Simona Halep and Tara Moore!
Djokovic conveyed a desire for change, advocating for consistency and transparency in handling such sensitive matters. The 24-time Major winner also suggested that some athletes receive more favorable treatment after reaching top lawyers more easily than others.
Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The Serb cited the lack of trust among players towards WADA and ITIA, with little transparency making many players unhappy. Novak urged tennis authorities to develop a more consistent and fair approach that is equal for everyone.
“I have seen the news. The cases of Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner have attracted a lot of attention, and it’s not a good image for our sport, that’s for sure. I have spoken with many players in the previous few months, and they are unhappy with how this process has been handled.
Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The majority of players also think favoritism is happening. In Jannik’s case, we have a minor contamination. However, there’s a lack of trust from female and male players towards WADA and ITIA. It appears you can almost affect the outcome if you are a top player and have access to the top lawyers.
Sinner was suspended for three months because of the mistakes and the negligence of his team members working on the ATP Tour. Many players, including myself, find that a bit strange. There are many inconsistencies between the cases involving Jannik and other players, including Simona Halep and Tara Moore.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The latter two and others struggled to resolve their cases for years or had been banned for years. We must remember that Jannik and Iga were the world’s best players when those announcements happened. It’s not good for our sport, and I hope somebody will develop a better strategy for the future.
The inconsistency is something that frustrates all the players. If you are treating every case individually or independently, which is what is happening, then we are lacking consistency and transparency. It’s essential to open the discussion and then see what’s best for the sport, Novak Djokovic said.
Tennis World USA