Novak Djokovic flags “lack of consistency” as he speaks about Jannik Sinner’s doping scandal

Novak Djokovic breaks silence on Jannik Sinner doping scandal, siding with 'frustrated' players.

Novak Djokovic flags “lack of consistency” as he speaks about Jannik Sinner’s doping scandal

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner (Via Imago)

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has finally spoken on the Jannik Sinner doping scandal. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has flagged the lack of consistency in decisions and has demanded clear protocols and standardized approaches. Djokovic did not say anything about Sinner’s innocence, though.

The 37-year-old sided with those who have expressed their frustration at the differential treatment dished out to different players by the authorities in doping violations. Djokovic also echoed that the frustration is understandable because Jannik Sinner’s case was cleared immediately while other players who had a similar situation had to wait for months. 

I understand the frustration of the players is there because of a lack of consistency. As I understood, his case was cleared the moment basically it was announced. But I think five or six months [had] passed since the news [of the positive tests] was brought to him and his team. So, yeah, there is a lot of issues in the system.
Novak Djokovic acknowledged the criticism of authorities in Jannik Sinner doping scandal.

The former World No.1 then put forth his demand for standard and clear protocols. Djokovic hopes that the authorities will take some learning from the Sinner case and “have a better approach for the future”. The Serbian seeks a collective change in the system.

Novak Djokovic tries to understand quick judgment in Jannik Sinner’s doping scandal

After flagging the issue with the current system and demanding change, Novak Djokovic also tried to understand the reason behind Jannik Sinner getting a quick resolution to his case. Nole reckoned that it might be due to Sinner working with a top law firm that worked efficiently.

Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner
Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner (Images via X)

Djokovic feels that funds are an issue in such cases as lower-ranked players cannot afford top lawyers and thus have to wait for the final judgment. 

Many players - without naming any of them - have had similar or pretty much the same cases, where they haven't had the same outcome. Now the question is whether it is a case of the funds, whether a player can afford to pay a significant amount of money for a law firm that would then more efficiently represent his or her case.
Novak Djokovic reckoned in the pre-match press conference. (H/T: BBC)

The Serbian, who co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) in 2019 with an aim to ease financial burdens for players across ranks, also demanded a system where “every player, regardless of his ranking or status or profile, is able to get the same kind of treatment.”

Djokovic highlighted it is these kinds of instances where an organization like the PTPA, which advocates fair and clear protocols and is concerned with players’ rights, comes into the picture. However, Djokovic rued the fact that his organization has not been acknowledged yet for “many reasons”.

In case you missed it!