Djokovic Thinks Sinner’s Doping Case Will Follow Him Forever

Novak Djokovic shared his thoughts on Jannik Sinner’s recent doping controversy, saying the issue will likely stay with the Italian tennis star for the rest of his career. The world No. 1 called the timing and length of Sinner’s suspension “odd” and compared it to his own experience of being deported from Australia in 2022 for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine.

Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam champion, was handed a three-month suspension earlier this year after testing positive for clostebol, a banned anabolic substance. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accepted that the drug entered his body by accident through massages from his physiotherapist at Indian Wells in March 2024. The case was settled in February, allowing Sinner to return to the court in May—right before the next Grand Slam event.

Djokovic said he doesn’t believe Sinner took the drug on purpose, but he still questioned how the case was handled. “That cloud will follow him just like the COVID cloud followed me,” Djokovic told Piers Morgan in an interview. “It might get less noticeable over time, but it won’t go away completely. There will always be some people who bring it up.”

The 24-year-old’s short suspension raised eyebrows around the tennis world since it happened between major tournaments. Djokovic pointed out what he felt were double standards in the sport.

“Transparency and consistency are lacking,” he stated. “It was convenient—the ban came between Grand Slams, so he didn’t miss any. It’s very strange. Many players with similar issues didn’t get the same kind of treatment.”

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has stood by its decision, saying every case is judged based on evidence, not on a player’s name, ranking, or nationality.

Even with the ITIA’s explanation, Djokovic believes the controversy won’t fade easily. “It’s one of those things that never completely go away,” he said. “People may move on, but they won’t forget.”

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