Novak Djokovic Accuses Jannik Sinner of Getting ‘Preferable’ Treatment During his Doping Scandal
Novak Djokovic has not won against Jannik Sinner since the 2023 ATP Finals.
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Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/AllAboutHQ, The Tennis Letter)
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Novak Djokovic has spoken out about Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy, sharing his honest opinion in a recent interview with Piers Morgan. The comments came after Sinner’s three-month suspension earlier this year.
In February, Sinner tested positive twice for the banned substance clostebol. The World No.2 explained that the contamination came from a healing spray used by his physiotherapist to treat a hand injury. However, Djokovic, who himself was under a cloud of COVID vaccine in 2022, believes that the Italian is under a similar cloud like himself. Djokovic on Piers Morgan Uncensored Interview:
That cloud will follow him as the cloud of Covid will follow me for the rest of his, or my career in this case. When this happened I was shocked honestly. I do think that he didn’t do it on purpose. But the way the whole case was handled is so many red flags. The lack of transparency. The inconsistency. The convenience of the ban coming between the Slams so he doesn’t miss out…it’s just… it was very very odd. It was preferable treatment.
An independent panel later ruled that Sinner was not at fault or negligent. However, he agreed to serve a short ban following talks with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Knowing my history with him, I think he didn’t do it on purpose, but, of course he is responsible. Because those are the rules, you are responsible when something like this happens. And so when you see someone for something very similar or the same being banned banned years and he’s banned for a provisional 3 months or whatever it was, it’s not right. It’s not easy for him.
Djokovic has said multiple times to take this case on the front foot through PTPA. However, this association doesn’t have a say in front of the main tennis authorities, like ATP or WTA.
History Between Piers Morgan and Novak Djokovic
Piers Morgan didn’t hold back when he called Novak Djokovic a “monumental d—” after the tennis star clashed with the Wimbledon crowd last year. The two recently sat down for a full interview, which airs on November 11.
Djokovic, now living in Greece with his family, is regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history. He holds a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles and recently won the Hellenic Championship in front of enthusiastic supporters.
Despite his success, Djokovic’s bond with fans has often been tense. During Wimbledon 2024, he accused spectators of disguising boos as chants for Holger Rune.
The Serbian player later walked out of a BBC interview after being pressed about the crowd’s reaction. Morgan defended him on X, saying Djokovic deserved more respect and inviting him for an interview, despite having criticized him in the past over his 2022 Australian Open deportation.
Predicting Novak Djokovic’s 2026 Tennis Calendar
Serbian legend Novak Djokovic is expected to play another reduced schedule in 2026, focusing mainly on key tournaments. The 24-time Grand Slam champion wrapped up his 21st season with titles in Geneva and Greece, finishing with a 35–11 record.
Djokovic reached his 100th career title in Geneva and added No. 101 at the Hellenic Championship. Although he didn’t win a major in 2025, he remains close to Jimmy Connors’ all-time record of 109 and Roger Federer’s 103.
His main goal next season will be to add more Grand Slam trophies, with the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open at the top of his list. However, he has yet to confirm which smaller events he will enter.
Likely stops include Brisbane or another warm-up event before Melbourne, followed by possible appearances in Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and either Madrid or Rome. He is also expected to play in Paris, Wimbledon, and the US Open, with potential returns to Shanghai and the Hellenic Championship, as well as the Davis Cup if Serbia advances.
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