“There are way too many inconsistencies,” Novak Djokovic reacts to WADA appealing Jannik Sinner’s doping case, says it is ‘not helping’ tennis
Novak Djokovic has opined that the World Anti-Doping Agency reopening Jannik Sinner’s doping case puts the sport in a bad light.
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Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner (Images via X)
Jannik Sinner has endured a tough time off the court in recent weeks. Just before the US Open, it was revealed that Sinner had twice tested positive for a banned substance but was cleared following appeals. Several players past and present, as well as fans, were furious once the news was made public.
Many questioned why Sinner was not given a ban from the sport, with the likes of Nick Kyrgios even calling for the Italian to be given a two-year ban. However, the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) said that Sinner was cleared only after a thorough review and investigation.
It was initially reported that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) would not appeal Sinner’s doping sentence to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). However, a few days ago, the international body changed its mind and announced that it had appealed to CAS.
That news also garnered mixed reactions, with many sympathizing with Sinner for being ragged through the legal process despite him being cleared of all charges previously. Responding to the same, former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic said that WADA’s actions are giving the sport a bad look.
I think it’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well. So, I guess that’s probably something that even the people who are not following our sport are realizing. There are way too many inconsistencies, way too many governing bodies involved and this whole case is not helping our sport at all.
Novak Djokovic said (via tennisnow)
Jannik Sinner also expressed disappointment with WADA’s CAS appeal. He reiterated that he was surprised by the governing body’s actions as he had been cleared of any wrongdoing thrice.
Novak Djokovic commends Jannik Sinner for keeping a cool head during tough times
Details of Jannik Sinner’s doping case came out just before the US Open got underway. That combined with a red-hot Carlos Alcaraz and a resurgent Novak Djokovic prompted many to wonder if the Australian Open champion could perform well in New York.
However, Sinner surprised everyone and clinched the US Open title, becoming the first man in 47 years to win his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season. 24-time Major winner Djokovic has praised the Italian for being able to put all disruptions and distractions caused by the doping scandal aside to play at his best on the court.
It’s impressive what he has been doing, in the whole process of what’s been happening, that he’s playing at such a high level, winning Grand Slam and, you know, winning most of the matches that he plays. This situation or these circumstances are not positive for our sport, so hopefully we can resolve this case as soon as possible.
Novak Djokovic said (via tennisnow)
On Wednesday (October 2), Sinner lost to Alcaraz in the China Open final. Despite taking the lead in the match, he ended up losing 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) to the Spaniard. The 23-year-old will next be in action in the Shanghai Masters.
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Anirudh Velamuri
(58 Articles Published)